Jennterview: Bob Compton, Photographer

My Writer/Web Monkey/Fancy Pants Dancer Extraordinaire, Stacey, wanted to get to know some of the amazing artists I work with a little better and, since she likes to share the love, we decided to run a series of interviews with photographers, models, designers, and performers, and call them "Jennterviews." [Okay, Stacey decided to call them that and sneak it in - Jenn hasn't actually approved it. If it's different tomorrow, you'll know she hated it. -SL] Today we feature Bob Compton, a theatrical, dance, and commercial photographer based in Overland Park, KS. You can check out his work on his website www.bobcomptonphotography.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

How did you get into your field?

I began developing black and white and color prints as a small child in my dad's darkroom. Since as early as I can remember I voraciously studied photography. Several years ago, I was dissatisfied with the photo memories my daughter was getting after spending her whole summer in Community Theatre. I had recently been laid off from Best Buy and decided to go full time into being the best Theatre photographer. Along the way I did weddings, seniors, families... but decided that those were not my passion. Corporate events and conventions became my next passion, and my young company quickly grew to become one of the largest provider of imaging services in that industry. My third specialty is commercial work, which includes products, advertising, fashion, and headshots.

What inspires you creatively?

I am constantly watching what the new, innovative photographers are doing and reviewing what the old masters did along the way. I keep that all in mind when I am looking for niche markets and opportunities that are not being filled. I love creating new ideas and products!

What is your favorite thing about your work?

The constant change in the industry and the constant challenge to reinvent myself.

What is your least favorite thing about your work?

Frankly, while I want to support everyone wanting to get into the business, the thing that is most frustrating is when under-qualified photographers over-sell their abilities and cheapen the image of what true working professionals do.

What do you wish people understood about your work?

That simply owning a good camera and being able to see things that photograph well is not what we do. Anyone can TAKE a great picture given the right opportunity. Only those who have studied, worked, failed (many times) and reworked their approach can MAKE an image consistently, regardless of the situation, on time and on budget. In order to do that, we have real expenses, including insurance, accounting, supplies, equipment, and of course our own labor. And don't be naive, digital photos actually cost MORE than film did! Film cameras lasted forever, while digital cameras need service and repair, and are 10-15 times more expensive than even the best film cameras were (and this doesn't even include the cost of the computer to process it, the storage, the web hosting, or all the other things). So when you ask for 'free' or 'cheap' photo work, you are really asking for money.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Seeing this business grow far better and faster than I ever imagined, year after year!

What is the biggest mistake you’ve made in your career?

Being unrealistic in my goals. If this is really your profession, then you simply have to find a way to make money. That means that you can't say yes to every opportunity to shoot that comes along, unless it actually benefits your career in a measurable way.

What advice do you have for someone entering your field?

First and foremost, don't pretend you know what you don't know. Study theory, camera operation, and lighting thoroughly. Then ask someone who is actually succeeding in the area you want to specialize in if you can work with them. Get experience before you say you are an expert. Finally, be realistic on where you expect the income to come from. You can't do TFP or group collaborations very long if you expect to actually support yourself.

What do you look for in a makeup artist?

Several things: Reliability, consistency of work, and ability to work the job. That may mean being completely independent in direction on one job, and doing exactly what the photographer asks for on the next. Some jobs have leeway for collaboration and input, and others are dictated by the client. If you can't do both, I can't use you.

What one personal care item would you be most lost without?

Water

In your opinion, what is the worst trend in recent memory?

'Natural light' photographers. What that really means is "I have a new camera and make good images as long as I don't have to do more than press the button."

White chocolate: Sweet treat or a lie and an abomination?

Never heard of it. Is that a flavor of bacon?

Anything else you’d like readers to know?

Tomatoes are a fruit, but should never be included in a fruit salad.