Greg Gorman

Photographer Q & A

Describe the moment or event that inspired your decision to become a photographer.

I borrowed a friend's camera in 1968 to shoot Jimi Hendrix in concert. I fell in love with the process when I developed the photos in a friend's darkroom and saw the prints coming up for the first time in the developer. I subsequently enrolled in the Photojournalism program at the University of Kansas in 1968.

What is your favorite photography tip to share with other photographers?

I have always stressed the importance of developing an individual approach that sets you apart from others and makes your images clearly identifiable.

Favorite photography book and why?

Helmut Newton's White Women. It was one of the very first instrumental books to excite me about the realm of photography.

Most unusual item you keep in your camera bag?

Either the current book I am reading or a movie script.

What's the best advice you ever received from a fellow photographer?

The late Elliott Marks gave me very careful advice on taking specific light readings on my very first major feature film which saved my ass!

Name a geographical place that you'd love to return to or go to for an assignment.

Africa and India are always at the top of my list of favorite places to shoot.

What photography project or assignment has been most meaningful for you and why?

The advertising campaign I did with l.a. Eyeworks for the past 30 years. The campaign helped define my style and was widely published monthly in Interview Magazine at the forefront of my career.

What current projects are keeping you engaged?

I now do four week-long digital photography workshops a year at my studio in Mendocino, California. This is a special project for me as I invite friends and fellow experts to teach along with me and the environment lends to a rich and rewarding experience for all.

If you could publish a book on any photographic subject, what would it be?

My worldwide travels that document the lives of ordinary people in obscure places.

What's in your camera bag right now?

• Canon 5D Mark II (batteries, charger, remote switch)
• Canon lenses: 70-200 F4, 70-300 L series 4-5.6 and 24-105
• Seconic light meter
• Xrite color checker
• Lexar card readers
• Lexar cards and cables
• Hoodman
• Sun Sniper strap
• Sensor brush cleaning kit
• Lite Disc reflectors
• California Sunbounce Sun Mover

What do you love about your Lowepro bag(s)?

The camera bag's size is concise and perfect for carrying on planes and still offers me everything I need. The durability of their cases is incomparable.

I have been working with Lowepro for nearly 10 years and I have always found the product to be innovative while always suiting my needs. Their bags are sturdy, and besides being compact, offer tremendous protection for the gear for which they are designed. Lowepro has always been excellent in meeting my design requests, something I value in a product endorsement.

To see more of Greg Gorman's amazing work, please visit his web site and workshop site for a comprehensive look at his evocative imagery. Learn more about his project with amazing celebrities and their eyewear in his l.a. Eyeworks book.

Greg Gorman's Lowepro gear includes: