This is the fifth in a series of Photographers I will be featuring. Each of the photographers are from Etsy. Enjoy the interviews and please visit their shops.
Today I bring to you Steve and Carolyn Battaini of BlacksmithCreations www.etsy.com/shop/BlacksmithCreations
What type of photography is your favorite and why?
My favorite photography is landscape photography that takes me away, to a place that gives me peace. A good landscape scene is an insight into the beauty of nature from the photographer’s perspective. The scene is from a vantage point that is usually quite different than what I might initially see with my own eyes. It teaches and reminds me to be more observant too. A good photo can also take me away to places I know I will never be able to visit, yet still appreciate it’s beauty.
My favorite photography is landscape photography that takes me away, to a place that gives me peace. A good landscape scene is an insight into the beauty of nature from the photographer’s perspective. The scene is from a vantage point that is usually quite different than what I might initially see with my own eyes. It teaches and reminds me to be more observant too. A good photo can also take me away to places I know I will never be able to visit, yet still appreciate it’s beauty.
When did you first start doing photography?
Photography was introduced to my by the German born father, who used an 35mm Exacta with a Zeiss lens. When I was old enough he bought me my first real camera, an Exacta, which I still own. He purchased it in a San Francisco pawn shop for $50. He had access to film that had expiration dates beyond what a local store could have on the shelves, yet it still was good enough for an elementary school student to practice with. He got it free and thus I had an almost endless supply of free film. My girlfriend and I would walk a few blocks over to the canyon after school and create photos of the statuesque oak trees during many seasons and different times of day. We had a blast!
When you're not shooting photos, how do you spend your time?
As an Etsy shop owner, there are many duties that support the business, such as development of the products, forging the creation, marketing, customer relations, mailing, following up, ordering, etc.
Love to explore new places and locations, for inspiration. Recently joined a walking club here in Nevada County, to explore my local environment in ways and areas that I’ve always been curious about. It’s a two for one experience: experience new places close to home and meet interesting people who also appreciate the environment in which we live.
Did you go to school to study photography? If yes, where?
My schooling in photography consists of a class in high school, and several seminars along the way. My most memorable outdoor classes were photography walks in Death Valley with the National Park Ranger. We observed and came to appreciate the beauty of this seemingly desolate place. I learned that there is beauty beyond the barren rocks. I would be that probably 95% of the visitors never see this beauty. The rest of what I know is self-taught. I would like to continue my learning curve.
How would you describe your style?
I shoot for two different purposes: for Etsy product photos, and landscape photography to remember it by.
What type of camera(s) do you shoot with?
I use two cameras: a Canon D40 for my more serious work, and my iPhone 5S for quick snaps. I still own my original Exacta. I have inherited my Dad’s love of photography and his Hasselblad camera.
Be sure to visit BlacksmithCreations www.etsy.com/shop/BlacksmithCreations for more.
