Shawn Marks and Miss Lauren Luck at the 2nd Annual Chris
Marks Car and Bike Show in Vacaville, CA. January 30, 2010
Photo by California Redwoods Photography
Have you ever been in a public place, and a swarm of beautiful women rush past you and hug some ordinary Joe standing in your vicinity? Some might ponder the reason behind what makes this guy so special, or some might speculate and stereotype that he’s obviously got a fat wallet, or he’s gay. If you’re a guy, you might even try to size yourself-up. Compare your physical attributes to the guy getting the attention and still wonder why he is being adored by a troupe of beauties. And of course some people might even be bold enough to walk up to him directly and ask about his secret. If you were to ask the guy I am about to introduce you to, he might simply reply, “I try hard to make them look beautiful in photographs.”
John Hollowell is that guy. He has an uncanny knack for communicating with his subjects, and he takes those extra steps to make the people he works with happy. He is also a great contact to have in your social networks. He can help promote your efforts, whether you are a model, photographer, or anyone linked to photography circles, and he does it without prejudice, or a trailer-sized ego. Something many photographers could learn from.
John is a Santa Cruz resident who spends a lot of his time photographing models and events all over Northern California, including frequent trips to the Sacramento and Redding areas. He can also be found all over the San Francisco bay area. John is a common figure at such events as car shows, photography workshops and even lingerie and pin-up parties. He operates under the name California Redwoods Photography, and he’s no ordinary Joe.
He’s also not afraid to tell you about the highlights of his life. He was born and raised in Western New York, and he has a son raising a family of his own there now. John always has a bandana with him, and he has been married four times. He proudly claims that all his exes don’t live in Texas, but they all still get along fine. He has been with his current wife, Ailene, for five years, but claims they are not really married. They walked into K-Mart one day, bought rings for each other, said their “I Do’s” to each other at the jewelry counter, and have enjoyed their K-Mart matrimony ever since.
I communicate with john on a few of the more popular social networks like Facebook, Myspace and Flickr. I have worked with him quite a few times and he had no problem answering a few questions for me. Below is the Q&A from my interview and below that is a slide show of some of his work. Please be sure to check it out.
Can you remember when you first became fascinated with photography?
My father did a lot of photography throughout my childhood, mostly landscape and wildlife. He was also an artist and would paint from his photographs. So at a young age of 7 or 8, He was my biggest influence. And now for me, photography is a passion bordering on obsession.
Who is your favorite artist or photographer and why?
Norman Rockwell. One of the best illustrators and painters that ever lived. He captured real life and true emotion in his work like no other. I used to draw from his work, so I really saw all the detail that brought his work to life. I did visit his home, museum, and studio in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It was so humbling to see where his work came alive.
Per your strong rapport with a lot of models, what advice can you offer photographers to help them improve their communication when working with models?
Collaboration is essential prior to shooting, especially with a model you have never worked with, or met, before. Understanding what expectations and limitations are before meeting in a studio or location will make things more comfortable. It's easy to build a good working relationship if you, first and foremost, respect your models, always be a gentleman, make it fun, but keep it professional. Supporting the models you have worked with through recommendations, online model voting forums, promoting, submissions to publications, giving good reviews and comments. Always back up your shoot data, and provide your models with quality images.
What are some of the popular venues you have worked over the last year?
Most Recent, The 2nd Annual Chris Marks Memorial Car Show at Iron Steed
Harley-Davidson in Vacaville. The turn out, support and love for Chris Marks goes way beyond a great car and bike show, Can't wait to see what next year brings.
The Victor Louis One Night In Paris Fashion Show in Sacramento. This venue was set up by Mark Behrens who runs Look Photographic Workshops, A group I have been a member of since Aug 2008. Anyone in Northern California looking to network with other photographers, models, make up artists and fashion designers should check it out at lookpw.com
Midnight Mass at Cal Expo in Sacramento sponsored by the Poor Boys Car Club. One of the most popular traditional hot rod and custom shows in Northern California.
Photo ops everywhere you look! Fantastic cars and pin-up models, pin-up contest and more.
The Billetproof Car Show in Antioch, I sent out a casting call for models to shoot with there and we netted some great shots. Most of the car owners are happy to let you shoot with their cars. I also met up with The Vicious Betty’s Pin-up models there, good times!
I have to add that my most memorable venue was when I was invited to join Eric Courtney of Think Tunk Productions and Les Gadula to shoot with The Vicious Betty’s Pin-up models at The Historic Burlington Hotel in Port Costa. We had the entire hotel to ourselves. We shot until 2am. A lot to share about that, but that's a whole new story.
That was definitely a fun shoot. So why do you feel networking is important in the photography industry?
It's the best platform for advertising and exposure, a way to meet and socialize with people who share similar interests. The diversity of the Internet allows you to create your own network of friends and contacts. I spend a lot of time networking with models and my network just keeps getting bigger and better.
Which social network on the web would you say is the best for photographers?
Personally, I like Model Mayhem, The site is easy to navigate, and a great website for photographers to find models, make up artists, and even photo retouching artists. Models can also connect with photographers in the same way. The site has personal messaging, talent profiles, content forums, castings and even contests.
What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you during a shoot?
Not so much during, but after a shoot. I was shooting with a model who had just completed a wardrobe change. A few shots into that session she decided to change her panties to a different color. Dropping down the rejected pair, she kicked them aside but they were visible in the shot. We were on location and had an audience so I picked them up and stuck them in my back pocket. We finished our shoot and parted ways. When I got home my wife asked how the shoot went. I told her it was great, just as I pulled the models panties out of my pocket thinking it was my bandana. I wish I had captured the look on her face! All went well and I shot with the same model a few weeks later and returned her panties. Because of her celebrity status, I'm not sure I should mention her name. If she’s reading this, I welcome her to chime in a comment on one of the social networks we share (he smiles).
What post processing software do you use for your photographs?
Photoshop CS2. I have so many filters, plugins and brushes that the lights in my house dim when I fire it up! I am self-taught in Photoshop and there is still so much about it that I don't know. It's an incredible tool. A few of my favorite add-ins are Imagenomic Portraiture, Nik Software Color Efex Pro 3.0 and Topaz Adjust.
In regards to photography, where would you like to be in five years?
I would like to be a wanted man. Seriously. To produce quality images that models just have to have in their portfolio.
Final question, and these always tend to be celebrity questions, so here it goes…
Megan Fox, Jessica Alba, Betty White and Johnny Depp. In which order would you
like to photograph these popular celebs and why?
Megan Fox first, well because she's hot. Johnny Depp, He's got so much character.
Jessica Alba would be next. No flash required. She can light up a room wherever she is. I was never a big fan of Betty White, but I bet she could work a big belt with black spandex, a Led Zeppelin tee and an acid wash jean jacket (big smiles).
Visit John’s MySpace page at:
http://www.myspace.com/californiaredwoods
See John’s Model Mayhem Portfolio at:
http://www.modelmayhem.com/californiaredwoods
See John’s Flickr Stream at:
http://www.flickr.com/californiaredwoods
California Redwoods Photography Facebook Fan Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Santa-Cruz-CA/California-Redwoods-Photography/265080616399
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If you are interested in doing a Q&A, please contact me here with your contact info and a website or social network that showcases some of your work. Please send along a brief summary as to why I should interview you as well.
Don't forget to check out the slide show. =)
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