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Q&A with Photographer Richard MacDonald

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

Richard MacDonalds Cuba photos - vintage car

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.

 

Richard MacDonalds Cuba photos - colored building

 

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.

 

Richard MacDonalds Cuba photos - homes

 

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.

 

Richard MacDonalds Cuba photos - drying tobacco

 

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;   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.

 

Richard MacDonalds Cuba photos - mural

 

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. 

 

Richard MacDonalds Cuba photos - street shot

 

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.

 

Richard MacDonalds Cuba photos - art scene

 

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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