Q&A with Photographer Richard MacDonald
With over 22 years of experience in aerial photography, aerial video, and commercial photography, Richard leads the pack by setting the standards and using state-of-the-art equipment, computers, and photo editing software. As a two-time Emmy award winning cinematographer, his work is recognized globally.
Before his release on Thursday, get to know photographer Richard MacDonald and take a sneak peek of a few of the many stunning photographs that will be available exclusively on our site when the full release drops July 1st at 9 am EST!Â
What inspired you to start your video and photography work?
When I was a Freshman at a local college I took a photography course and immediately feel in love with it. This was in 1992.
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What time of day is your favorite to shoot and why?
Early in the morning. I'm an early riser so getting up isn't difficult. I love watching the city or location I am shooting wake up. Small things like watching lights turn on in homes or people coming out to walk their dog or go for a run really spark my interest. It's my "watching the city wake up" time.
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What are your favorite subject(s) to shoot?
Chasing another aircraft or vehicle from the helicopter or shooting the sites in the Washington DC No Fly Zone. There's a real rush of knowing only a few people around the world can do this.
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What makes your work different from others? What style do you try to achieve with your work?
Talking with the client prior to shooting is key to ensure I get a better understanding of the client's vision. Reviewing past similar images or video that's been done and finding a different angle to capture it. I have a saying;Â Â when you are walking around taking photos, stop every once in a while and look behind you, most of the time that best shot is behind you.
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What does photography mean to you?
It is about being the messenger. The beauty is out there, your job is to find it and share it with others.Â
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Exactly what it is you want to say with your photographs, and how do you actually get your photographs to do that?
You want one image to tell a whole story. One you can sit back and understand what the photographer saw and/or what it took to capture that image.
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What technology/software/camera gear do you use to keep focused on what you do best, as you photograph?
Nikon still cameras and RED, Lumix, and Sony for video. I use Adobe Lightroom and Final Cut Pro for editing software.
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