Photography Friday: Max Wanger

In a world where new professional photographers are popping up every day, appealing to the masses with their I shoot “babies, maternity, boudoir, business headshots, families, weddings, bands, seniors and architecture” business models it’s incredibly refreshing to find someone who has a style that is so distinct, so specific, so divergent it only appeals to a specific type of person … the type that themselves live in a way that is distinct and specific … their style divergent and unique.

This is why when I stumbled onto Max’s site from here I threw out the hour’s to-do list and feasted my eyes and brain and heart on art that is so refreshing and fun and filled with energy, genuineness and sincerity it caused me to push myself a bit harder as an artist and a business owner.

And, in these two, giant-run-on-sentences I have explained why I wanted Max to share some of his work with my readers. I knew you guys would feel the same way I did upon viewing it. Make sure to notice the perfect, yet unique way he composes each image. There are specific rules he never breaks and others he breaks every time. His use of negative space is simply brilliant. Enjoy …

Max is crazed planning a wedding so I’m sparing him with the millions of questions I’d love to ask and instead only hassling him with a “speed round.”

Dear Max, I’m just grateful you replied to my request with a yes. You are much too kind.

How you got started in photography, Twitter-style:

I built my first camera (it was a polaroid) out of paper and scotch tape when I was 7 years old. The rest, as they say, is history.

The way you felt when you did your very first paid-for session:

Before the shoot: nervous

During the shoot: nervous

After the shoot: relieved

The first time you do anything it’s a bit nerve-wracking. But that’s natural and a good feeling to have. It means you care.

How long ago was that?

4 years ago.

The way you felt when you did your most recent paid-for session:

Before: nervous

During: excited

After: wonderfully exhausted

I still get nervous to this day. But the moment I start shooting, it all goes away.

Three bits of challenging and inspiring advice you would share with photographers today:

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. In fact, make many. You’ll thank yourself later.

Forget what others think, do your own thing and push yourself to be the best you can be.   {note from Jessica: Will someone paint this on a canvas for me?! I LOVE this!}

Develop a style that’s your own. It’s one way you’ll stand out from the rest.

One more random piece of advice: Be kind. Be compassionate. Tip well. It all comes back to you.

Your gear:

3 Canon 5D Mark II’s, 1 canon 5D. Multiple polaroids, new and old. A crumpler travel bag and backpack. Numerous lenses.

Your editing workflow:

Always a work in progress. Right now, Photo Mechanic and CS4 with a little Bridge thrown in.

The best business decision you’ve ever made:

Deciding to hire help and giving in to the fact that I can’t do it all by myself.

The worst:

Not doing the above sooner.

What’s one thing you dream of doing with your camera to change the world:

Wow. That’s a little intense. I’m not sure what I can do with my camera to change the world. But if I can change people’s perceptions on what wedding photography can look like, that it can be different and original, then I’ll feel like I’ve done something good.

{note from Jessica: Do you guys not agree that Max has already changed the world with his photography? I know I do.}

What do you do to stay fresh and sincere in your work:

Stay in my own head. When I get too involved in what other people are doing, I lose the ability to think clearly. Traveling and good music help me stay inspired and fresh.

Who/what inspires you:

My family. Margaux. Tokyo. Paris. New York. Rodney Smith. Angela Kohler. Paul Smith. My Flashdance family. Little kids who are way cooler than I am.

Cheers and congrats to you, Max!

jc

+++

To find Max click here for his website, here for his blog and here for his super-cool, photography-inspired t-shirts!  (If you’re too busy to check out his blog now at least check out his latest posted session.  I maxed out my oooohs&aaahhhs for the month when seeing this post!)

p.s. Dear faithful readers, I have so many crazy and scary and wonderful things transpiring in my life right now. Priorities are stacking up and my blog is falling behind. I have lots to share, but time will have to unfold a little more before doing so. I just want you all to know that I yearn to stay connected with each of you. Your emails, your comments, your tweets and FB comments are like air to me so keep them coming. xo!