Thursday, November 18, 2010

[Un]Discovers: Ted Sabarese

Awhile ago, I have written a post about an editorial called Hunger Pains and ever since, I am attracted to Ted Sabarese's photos. Today is the last edition of this year's [Un]Discovers and I am truly honored to have Ted Sabarese interview to share with you!


Hi Ted, thanks for being the last guest of this year's [Un]Discovers! So, tell me, how did you become a photographer?
I was always infatuated with picture taking. When I initially moved to New York City, I took photography classes at the New School University, year after year (while continuing my career as an advertising creative director). I was picking up small photo jobs here and there. They grew into medium-sized photo jobs. Soon, the long hours in advertising weren't allowing me to shoot. I realized that photography was the thing I really wanted to do. I went in and quit the next day. Thus, the beginning of my life as a photographer.


I have a similar case as you. I was planning to be a graphic designer so I bought a camera to take photo stocks. My graphic design path did not work out in the end and now, I just want to be a fashion photographer. Well, I am curious, what are your inspirations and how do you apply those inspirations to your photos?
I find inspiration just about everywhere. People. Places. Design. Sometimes the strangest, smallest thing will trigger an idea for a photo series. I try to pay attention to these ideas. It's easy to miss them, to miss an opportunity. My earliest photographic influences were Sebastiao Salgado, Helmet Newton and Richard Avedon. Though all very different photographers, they each found a way to communicate their view of the human condition in a powerful way.


Avedon is definitely one of my great inspirations and his photos are always so nice to look at! What 3 words can be used to describe your photography style? 
Graphic. Conceptual. Series-driven. I think my advertising background (and the resulting need for "campaignable" ideas that was pounded into my head over the years) is inescapable.


Conceptual and graphic are definitely the words I can use to describe your works! They are unique and fresh!  I find many of your shoots to be very creative and inspiring. Out of all the sets, which one can best reflect you as a photographer? Why?
That's a tough one to answer. Most of my portfolio is personal work. And when something is "personal," it lives inside you for a long time, is nuanced over and over and is finally birthed (usually with much difficulty). Though not necessarily my most popular series, I really like the "Yoga" project. I have many friends who have been positively effected by yoga (though I've only tried it once). I came to realize that yoga makes people feel the love, so to speak. And that it's contagious. I found a yoga model and about 40 people (strangers) willing to make out with each other on the streets of New York. When it all came together, it was completely satisfying. Maybe I should actually go to a few yoga classes to really get it.


For me, Hunger Pains is taking my top spot and I am still fascinated by the bakery dress! I know you also have a blog called Guess The Lighting. What made you want to create a blog like this?
For photographers, lighting is everything. With today's technology, anyone can snap a picture. My mom takes some pretty good ones. But lighting is a talent that's learned over time and with much experimentation. That said, it's not rocket science. And there are a million different ways to achieve the same effect. I thought starting the GTL blog would be a good way to help young photographers figure out lighting. And it also forced me to break down fantastic images by other photographers light by light.


That blog is great and now I am addicted to it. I have to say, thanks so much for breaking down the light set up for me or else I would not know how did those photographers set up for the shoot! Finally, if you could shoot a campaign with a celebrity in the future, who would you choose? What kind of shoot would you do?
I'd love to shoot Jonathan Ames, writer and creator of HBO's "Bored to Death." It's my favorite show on television. It's freaking hysterical. I think I'd put Jonathan fully closed in a blazer and tie amidst a spa room full of naked men. Ted Danson would be somewhere. Probably sipping a martini (if you saw this season's 2nd to last episode, you'll get it).

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Now it is time to ask Ted some trivia questions and see what he is like other being a great photographer!

Nikon or Canon? 
Hasselblad. Because medium format quality just beats 35mm. Every time.

Natural Light or Strobes?
Strobes. Because you can create something nature just doesn't give you.

Red or Yellow? 
Blue. Weird, you picked my least two favorite colors. Something about them makes me anxious.

Beach or Snow Mountains? 
Beach. I grew up a toe-head spending every summer there.

Stripes or Polka Dots? 
Polka dots. They're always fun.


Wine or Beer? 
Beer. I'm on a bit of a Delirium Tremens kick right now.

Japanese or Italian Cuisine?
Japanese. Great sushi is life-altering.

Dog or Cat?
Dog. They actually notice if you don't come home for a day or two.

Mac or PC? 
Mac. For a trillion reasons.

Jelly Belly or Snickers? 
Scharffen Berger extra dark chocolate bar (82% cacao). Once you try it, regular candy bars taste like butt.

Thanks to Ted for being such a great photographer to answer my questions! I am wishing him all the best in the future and I hope to see what he has in store for us next! All photos are courtesy of Ted Sabarese and if you want to see more of his works, please visit his official website!

That's a wrap for this year's [Un]Discovers! Thanks for reading this section for the past year and it will start all over again in January 2011!

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