Flashlights, Monkeys and more with Sacramento Photographer Tim Engle

Metropolis Body Paint, Photo by Tim Engle

There are a lot of photographers who seem to take light for granted. They find themselves in that state of mind where they stick to proven methods and techniques, and venture not away from the norm. Their results become drab and predictable after a while. Sometimes a nice hot cup of change is needed to percolate that brew of creativity deep down within to get inspired. When you come across a photographer, like Tim Engle, who experiments with light and maximizes its effectiveness, and you can witness the dramatic difference of his output compared to other photographers, you can’t help but be intrigued.

If you have ever seen any of Tim’s photographs, you can immediately tell that he prides himself on being able to control the look and feel of an image through light. The obvious, essential, element that makes photography possible, yet often overlooked by many because they don’t truly understand light. More importantly, how it can become more beneficial to their work instead of -- just existing. Tim has a unique style to his photographs that can be greatly attributed to his keen knowledge of light and it’s behavior under a multitude of circumstances.

Tim would be the first to tell anyone that you don’t need thousands of dollars in lighting hardware to create beautiful images. He can back it up too because many of the jaw-dropping images he has created have been illuminated by some of the most unlikely sources you would think of when you associate a particular light’s intended use with photography. One example is the use of LED flashlights. While most people see their use as being convenient for a situation like looking under the hood of a car, or lighting the way on a trail through the woods at night, Tim found a way to put the powerful compact tools to use to improve his photography. It really adds a unique style to his work.

Unique style is an understatement when you look at some of Tim's concept shots.  Some might even describe his imagination as twisted.  A lot of people would tell you it is quite fascinating.  Regardless of opinion, Tim introduces his viewers to worlds that are often strange an macabre.  His images make you think about what is really happening in the scenario he creates, and that is always a good thing.  Be sure to check out the attached slide show for a glimpse into Tim's imagination.

Tim is always willing to share his experience with others, and he even offers workshops through a photography group he founded and named the Click Monkeys. The Click Monkeys is a club of local photographers who network and learn from each other, organized through the social network site, Meetup.com. The group was founded in September of 2008 and is currently over 460 members strong and growing. One of the many workshops Tim offers through the group is dedicated to lighting on a budget. Tim and his leadership-team teach others how to create the best photographs possible without the need to spend too much money on high priced equipment.

I have been fortunate enough to learn a few things from Tim on a couple of different outings, and I can honestly say that even the saltiest of shooting veterans could learn something from this guy. He is a very enthusiastic when it comes to photography, and his energy and imagination are contagious.  I was very happy when he agreed to answer some questions for me.

Please be sure to check out the slide show at the bottom of this article to see a small collection of some of Tim's work.  You can also view his bio here.  His Q&A follows:

What can a photography enthusiast expect when attending his or her first Click Monkeys Meetup?
I hope a good time. I want them to enjoy what they’re doing. Photography can be very intimidating. I want them to see that anyone at any level can make good images and have fun.

You have a commercial and sports photography background. Who’s work, besides your own, should young aspiring photographers be looking at in those industries today?
That’s a hard question. There are so many great photographers out there. I tend to look at a lot of fashion and portrait works. I love Greg Gorman, Bruce Webber, Patrick Demarchelier and Ellen Von Unwerth. They never fail to get me motivated.

What is your artistic philosophy when approaching a portrait session?
I don’t go in with too grand of a plan. I will talk with the subject a little first to see what they want. I tend to get inspired by having them in front of me.

You spend a respectable amount of time out at the Preston Castle in Ione, hosting Photographer Day events and workshops. How are you associated with the Preston Castle Foundation, and more importantly, is it really haunted?
I have become a photo docent for them. I try to help them raise money through photo related events. I also help photographers get access whenever possible. Is it haunted? Let’s just say I have had some very interesting things happen that I still can’t explain.

You are doing some amazing things with LED flashlights in your photos. When did you realize that niche was an effective way to produce unique looking images?
I realized about 2 years ago the power and color temperature of the LEDs were something worth pursuing. The new LEDs I’m testing are amazing! I was sent 5 prototypes from Germany that have proven very useful.

Are concept shoots something you would like to pursue more seriously, or just a way to blow off some of your creative steam?
I would love to keep pushing the concept images. I love the collaboration that goes in to making them happen. It’s like therapy for me to get those images out of my head.

Scenario: A beginning photography enthusiast, without any equipment, wants to photograph human portraits. He or she has a budget of $1000. How would you recommend they get started?
Nikon D90, 2 shop lights with daylight bulbs, and 2 IV poles from e-bay to hold the lights.

What is the biggest highlight you have experienced in all your years as a photographer?
Photographing the birth of my children.

How do you see photography transforming in the next 10 years?
This is the hardest question of them all. To think what the last 2 years have brought to photography, I can’t imagine what 10 years will bring. It may have more to do with how and where we view the images. Less paper more digital.

Final question. From a purely visual standpoint, what is your favorite film of all time and why? It’s ok if you need to mention a few.
I’m watching Holy Mountain right now made in 1973. Total mind trip! Blade Runner is my personal favorite! Inland Empire, Buffalo 66, Fight club are great too. Also, I keep on my iPhone the music video Closer by Nine Inch Nails. It is the greatest video ever made! 

Closer by Nine Inch Nails (WARNING: Man-sized content contained in the video below)

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