Introducing Nathan Harmon

http://www.nathanharmon.com/

I was basically born to do photography.  I can’t imagine my life without photography.

Photography has always been a passion of mine even before I had a camera.  As a small child, I saw beautiful images of environmental portraits in contemporary art museums. The images were provocative, but not demeaning to the subject, just views into peoples lives – Of course, visions and view points from the artist.  My passion continued to grow as I was fanatical about the images from Transworld Skateboarding Magazine. As a teenager, my room was covered with pictures of skateboarders catching big air.  My Dad gave me his (FULLY MANUAL) Olympus rangefinder and I made some interesting images.

When I was 18, I purchased my first SLR camera and from that point on, I was not only hooked but I was making beautiful images.  With my 50mm lens and no one telling me what I was doing, I was a fast learner.  I called up my uncle, David Muenker, who is a travel photographer and asked if I could come and visit with him.  He said of course so I drove with my Mom to Denver, Colorado, where he lived at the time to sort of interview him.  At this time, I had completed 1 year of college, just gen eds.  He took me on a travel assignment down to the Great Sanddunes National Park and then to Mesaverde. We had a blast.  We then returned to Denver where he introduced me to William Sallaz. Bill (a sport-olympics photographer) left a good impression on me.  From there I was hooked and decided to enroll in OSU-IT which was then OSU-Okmulgee (a fantastic school for learning).

1. Tell us how you found your way into photography.

I graduated from OSU-IT with honors and embarked on my journey into photography.  I started out with zero dollars and zero equipment other than my camera, a couple of lenses and a flash.  I had the opportunity move to Geneva, Switzerland  where I lived with my Aunt and Uncle and studied French.  This also gave me a chance to travel around Europe and shoot lots of travel photography.  I still have the images (slides pre-digital). I pull images from them for stock whenever possible.  Upon return to the US, I moved to Miami Beach, Florida to learn from fashion photographers.  I assisted some pretty famous photographers and learned huge lessons about the business.

2. How do you classify yourself as a photographer?

As for classifying myself and what I do I as a photographer, I guess I call myself a commercial photographer focused on editorial and advertising photography.  My main focus is photographing people and architecture.  I love doing magazine assignments and advertorials.

3. Describe to us a typical week in your life.

As for a typical week, I guess change is the word.  I start out on Monday writing out my to do list for the week and then my schedule changes at the blink of an eye, depending the week.  Shooting is my favorite part of the business.  I like the pre-visualizing, planning and team work in every job.  A week can consist of shooting products for adveristing, editorials, and portraits to helping models with their portfolios. The thing I can count on for a normal week is time behind the computer whether processing photographs, emailing clients, FTPing images, or uploading new images.   I also  spend a lot of phone time talking to clients or people related to a job.  Some weeks I’m shooting all week and others I’m processing all week – it just depends on which way the wind blows sometimes.

4. What is  your favorite subject matter?

My favorite thing to photograph is people doing things.  I like being the eye or vision looking into peoples lives and bringing it out to the world.  I also love showcasing homes and offices in glamorizing how we live (or how they live) as people.

5. How do you approach a photo shoot?

Approaching a photoshoot really depends on the subject.  Portraits and people photography has to be quick and to the point.  Architecture is slow and methodical.  Sort of a sprint vs a marathon.    I like to analyze the shoot in my head and consider the look and feel of the images, to really get down to what the images will be used for.  (What are we trying to accomplish, what are we selling?)  I like to always be over prepared.  Being prepared keeps things moving smoothly!

6. Can you share with us a memorable experience from your career? A special moment, or favorite shoot?

I have many fond memories of my photoshoots, but I guess making a nice business deal for a photoshoot at Starbucks for a huge photoshoot  in Miami and Ft. Myers, Florida, sticks out in my mind.  It was great.  We lined up all the models via the internet and FEDEX.  It was a very pivotal moment.  I flew down to Miami did the shoot, rocked the house, and since I used to live in Miami Beach, I took everyone out for a great time to the Miami Beach nightlife.  What I really loved about that shoot was the collaboration and the fact we had every aspect of the shoot worked out long distance.  Since then I’ve had many photoshoots around the country and applied my location tactics.  Oh, going back to the question of how do I classify my photography:  I’m a location photographer.  I have a studio but the world is my studio too.

7. Do you think being from (or working in) Oklahoma has influenced your artistic vision? If so, how?

I think living in Oklahoma has totally affected my photography.   Its effect is not always obvious, but in my imagery I like to have open simplistic backgrounds that sort of set the scene for my images.  I like to find glamour in people and celebrate what we (the common greats) do.  Also I find it inspirational to walk through Tulsa’s Art Deco buildings.  I think that Deco heritage has really influenced my Architectural photography.

8. How have you benefited from being part of a creative community (workplace, classroom, associations, etc.)

First off,  I recommend supporting any and all of you local creative communities. I think it’s great to see what other artists are doing and with what mediums, its sort of food for the soul. Creative people need other creative people to relate to – its an important thing.   I really like being with my friends and collaborating ideas.  Its fun meeting like-minded people through various groups or associations.  You never know who you’ll meet.

9. What is your vision of the future of the industry?

What is my vision of the future of the industry?  Wow the photo industry continues to evolve.  I think there will be a lot of crossover between stills and video.  Its already started and will continue.

10. What is the vision of your future?

The vision for my future, I will be part of the still/video crossover.  I’ll continue to make images with artistic flare.  More editorials, more locations, and continue my vision and use my images to make the world a better place.  I could see directing in the my future.

11. Can you lend some advice to young photographers?

Well, photography is a lifestyle.  Shoot a lot, shoot what you like, shoot what you know.  Photograph your world.  Start within one mile of where you live.  And have fun with it.