Andrew Foord has found much success in the world of photography. He has found inspiration, style and a workflow that comes together to make amazing images. He’s got great creative flair and moreover, he’s driven, honest and loyal… what’s not to love about this guy!
Photography was not his first love. Andrew originally studied video production at the Art Institute of Philadelphia. It wasn’t until his son was born that his interest in photography blossomed: “I wanted to make great pictures of him and the second I picked up the camera I fell in love.” And with that, it seems perfect that his most memorable image is the first picture he took of his son.
So what are his secrets? Andrew enjoys working alone but for larger projects it’s vital to assemble a cohesive support team. “Hair, make-up, fashion designer/stylist… they are all super important. They can take a good portfolio to a great portfolio.” He believes that it’s just as important to create a lighthearted atmosphere at a time when stress-levels can fly. “You really do have to be a comedian when you’re photographing someone who is uncomfortable. My go-to line is ‘Look left, head down a little, back up slightly, clench your ballsack…’.”
While Andrew is an accomplished photographer he knows that there is always more to learn. With hindsight, he wishes he’d had more organizational skills from the start and like most photographers, the business side of it all can be challenging. His go-to online sources for expanding his knowledge are kelbyone.com and YouTube. He finds inspiration not only from industry leaders like Frank Doorhof but also his peers. He’s “constantly looking at work of other photographers and artists” to seek motivation and keep his photography fresh.
Andrew’s advice for photographers, just starting out… “Survival as a photographer is based on three things; above all else, have a passion for the craft, secondly, look at yourself as an artist and promote yourself as such, and most important: take thousands of pictures.” And when asked what makes a good picture stand out from an average image? He had a one-word answer…lighting.
If you want to get more from Andrew, catch his lighting seminar Saturday April 26th at The Photocoop, a photography community and rental studio in Little Falls NJ. Find more information on this event here.
See more of Andrew’s work here.
Want all the technical details? Here’s a little Q&A with Mr. Foord…
What type of cameras do you shoot with? I was using a Canon 5d Mark III, but just moved over to a Medium Format System. Mamiya 645AFD III with a Dm22 Digital back
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why? On Canon is was my 70-200L 2.8. On Mamiya its my 105-210 4.5.
What lighting equipment do you shoot with? I started with Westcott monolights, but have since upgraded to Elinchrom BXR’s.
What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera? I would say that since 99% of all my work is shot with strobes, I would be lost without them.
What is your favorite computer/editing accessory, other than your computer? Would my brain qualify?
What is your most used Photoshop tool, plug-in, action set etc…? I LOVE Alienskin Software, specifically Exposure 5, and no I’m not saying that because they are my sponsors.
Are you a Mac or PC lover? Have been a Mac lover since 2002.
Something that is under-rated? A light meter.
If money were no object, what would your dream photography bag have in it? An 80 megapixel digital back, Zeiss lenses, Hasselblad and Mamiya Medium Format bodies.
One way you market your business? Social Media… hands down one of the easiest and fastest ways to get your name out there.
What’s the best part of being a photographer? It has to be the ability to have a creative outlet and get paid doing it.
Do you make time for personal photographic work? All the time!
What would be your dream destination assignment. Shooting for an athlete or swimsuit in Hawaii.
If you could shoot an assignment with anyone, who would it be and why? Jesus… just seems like an appropriate answer.
If not a photographer, you would have been? Space Cowboy
Is there anybody, living or dead you would love to capture on film and why? I would have loved to have photographed the Beatles when they were first starting out.
What would you like to be doing in 5 years from now? Same as what I am doing now.
Andrew Foord Photography 