Presenting `Obsidian-Fox -

`Obsidian-Fox fancies himself a jack of all trades when it comes to photography. His main areas of expertise lay in documenting the human condition (or street photography) and working as a freelance photojournalist covering events, award shows, concerts, and more…

For those who STILL don’t know you, who are you?

I am Scott Alexander, and Sofia Beth Dixon (pen name). I go by the pseudonym Obsidian-Fox online.

I try not to make photography my job, so I don't complain and moan about doing it. I try to stay excited about the whole process.

Why obsidian-fox?

Obsidian Fox because the first two names I wanted were taken.. I cant remember what they were now…

When was the first time you had a camera in your hands and how did your interest with photography began?

I got my first camera, a Praktica MTL3 35 mm SLR from my grandfather after he died. My photo teacher, Mr Omorean taught high school photography, where my interest in photography bloomed... In grade 11, I actually took TWO photography blocks, so I could have fun every day, instead of every second day

You were a Street Gallery Moderator, what is Photojournalism to you?

Photojournalism to me is capturing the moment. Whether it be a tearful march through the streets of downtown, or Madonna in the perfect pose on stage. It’s a little different than street, in that with photojournalism, you usually have a clear vision of what it is you are capturing and what you will get, where as street photography is usually unknown.. not looking to make any certain photo, just shooting what you see.

The line is very fine, though

When did you begin to pursue photojournalism and who inspired you?

I began to pursue photojournalism during the first months of 2008, when I started making plans to document the Scientology protests, and shooting concerts. My main inspirations ranged from the living to the dead, from people like Chris Weeks to Henri Cartier-Bresson.

Would you trade it for any other photographic genre or even for any other medium?

I keep thinking to myself, that If I ever lose everything, I will still have my camera.

Have you ever had your work published in a news journal/magazine? And do you have some advice to who wants to start being published?

I have had images published several times in both online magazines and blogs, to print magazines and papers across the world. One of the most notable is Metal Hammer Magazine in Germany. But there are others, such as: Abort Magazine, Absolute Underground, BC Parent, and Alt:MAG. Summer 2009 will see many many shows, including ACDC, Warped Tour, much much more..

My advice is to keep shooting, and emailing editors every few weeks with something new… Showing dedication, professionalism, and most importantly improvement (if you are still new at it) is very important.

Also, make sure you get paid.

What is your favorite photojournalism photo of yours? and why?

I think there are two very distinct photos that I would call my favorites, and oddly enough, neither of them are black and white..

The silhouette of a sound engineer during Lil Wayne's show. Its a shot that I was busy making when all the other photographers next to me were either standing there waiting for LW to do something, or clicking away like mad while he did nothing (on stage)

A model poses nonchalantly as photographers at BC Fashion Week test the lighting and their settings in the background. Fashion Week is a big deal to a lot of photographers, and while its important to me, I don’t need the same photos that everyone else has, I wanted to take the time to get a unique view during the pre-show. It makes it even better that she looked towards me, and with such a look of annoyance (at the whole show, not me.. )

You say oddly enough your fav works of yours are in colours, is it because you prefer black and white? If so, is there any particular reason for it?

Yes, I do prefer black and white for my own work.. I think for the most part, color distracts the viewer from a photo, especially in the street, or during an event, where documenting emotions are important.

Have you ever felt afraid or had any issues when shooting photojournalism?

I've never felt afraid, but I have had officers come up to me a few times to ask what I was doing, and what I was taking photos of. Usually a cool head prevails, but knowing the law also helps.

During the Zombie Walk of 2008, I had an officer threaten me with arrest before rescinding the threat.. The trick is to calmly explain that you are media, and ask for their badge number. Write it down, or take a photo of the badge.

Oddly enough, the closest I came to being arrested came when I was wandering down a PUBLIC trail shooting nature shit..(More here)

Is there any photojournalist you admire - in dA and/or in Real Life? And any photo in particular?

I really admire a few, actually, that I have met here on dA.. Most notable is Chris Weeks `cweeks, of course, but there are several other photojournalists have equally amazing work, that deserves to be shared with everyone.. Darren Abate (~FideNullo), Arthur Mola (~arthurmola previously ~banxter), and The lovely Tanya Nagar, (~tanya-n), and last but not least, the amazing Charlotte Gonzalez (=Gonzale)

Chris:
Darren:
Arthur:
Tanya:
Charlotte:

How did you find dA?

The real, real story is a little embarrassing, so I will just say that an old friend introduced me to it..

Who would you like to see interviewed next?

Any of the people that I mentioned above. Everyone knows Chris though, so any of the other three first.

Could you share your 10 best tips with the community?

You asked for 10, so rather than muddy the important ones with filler, I’m only going to give 5:

1 - Know your light
2 - Compose first, click second
3 - If there are others around you taking the same shot, move.. (in most circumstances)
4 - Don’t manipulate!
5 - Don’t manipulate!

Thank you very much for everything, Scott!

More Interviews:

PhotoJournalism Interview(s) #1 [estudio]
PhotoJournalism Interview(s) #2 [Ramibru]

PHOTOJOURNALISM & RESOURCES:

[CR] Fear No More! #1
[PhotoJournalism] Community Choice #2
Photo Tips
[PhotoJournalism] Community Choice #1
Voices Around the World: Carnival / Mardi Gras
Presenting... Our Collection: Great Photojournalism in dA
Welcome to Photojournalism - resources & inspiration
9 Tips for Breaking into Photojournalism
World Press Photo 2008/09
PJ: Concerts & Musicians
How and why to charge : Musicians..
So You Think You're A Pro?
National Press Photographers Association Code of Ethics
Photojournalism: An Ethical Approach
Photojournalism Best of 2008
World-Changing Photojournalism
PhotoJournalism for 2009
2008 In Photojournalism
DD-ing Photojournalism
Extreme Photojournalism [NC17]
Political Comments
Your Miscat Reports
Photojourna-WUT??
The ABCs of PHOTOJOURNALISM
The ABCs of DEVIANTART
The ABCs of STREET Photography
The ABCs of PORTRAIT Photography
Street and Photojournalism, a comprehensive guide.


Note: The ABC's are personal views so don't take it too seriously.</div>

Other Noteworthy Links:

Assignment: Intro into Photojournalism
Street photography for dummies
Public photo critique - call for entries



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