Five Questions with Photographer Steve Perry

Interview by Jason Setnyk | Photo by Steven Perry

Cornwall, Ontario – Steve Perry is a retired teacher turned photographer. Steve taught for 36 years and has been a headshot and portrait photographer for the last ten years. His love for photography came about as a result of his long friendship with well-known local photographer Bernie Carriere. Steve experimented with many genres of photography but decided to specialize in headshot and portrait photography.

When speaking about his photography and operating out of his home studio, Steve says, “It’s my passion to photograph people showing them as confident and approachable. That goal is unwavering whether it’s a headshot session, personal branding, or fine art portrait.”

A skilled portrait photographer like Steve Perry creates technically sound photos and connects with his subjects to create a meaningful and engaging image.

Five Questions with The Seeker

1 – What is your photography education and background? Are you self-taught, or did you do an apprenticeship or attend art school?

“I guess I would say that I am a self-taught photographer; however, I had a great mentor in Bernie Carriere, who was a great photography teacher and a long-time friend. He helped me learn all the technical aspects of photography.”

2 – What are your thoughts on Photoshop and heavily editing pictures versus making minor adjustments in Lightroom?

“Editing in Photoshop and Lightroom can always be taken too far. In the days of film, photos were edited in the darkroom. Photos can always be tweaked in Photoshop. The whole process of post-processing is an art in itself. If it is done well, it can make an ordinary photo extraordinary. Moderation is the key.”

3 – Do you prefer realistic or more abstract styles of photography and why?

“For headshots, I prefer realistic, well-posed photos with an expression that tells the viewer something of the person’s personality. For fine art portraits, however, I prefer a more artistic approach. My fine art portraits are often dark and moody, and I believe my style is easily recognizable.”

4 – What makes your photography unique and authentically you?

“I think I have a unique editing style. It has developed over the last couple of years. My fine art portraits are my favourites. I can spend hours tweaking these portraits. I want every portrait to tell a story. I have experimented for literally hundreds of hours on my lighting techniques, and the practice has certainly paid off.”

5 – Do you have any tips or advice for photographers just starting out?

“Read your camera manual! All kidding aside, learn the technical aspects of photography. Once you know your camera inside and out, then tackle lighting. Learning to light a photograph using natural light or light in a studio can take your photography to a whole other level. And lastly, practice, practice, practice.”

See Photography by Steve Perry on Facebook.