Pros for Lowepro
Marta Hewson
Marta
Hewson fell in love with photography when she was a teenager, and has been hooked ever since. She lived in Portugal
at the time and decided to move to Canada to go to college for photography.
After college Marta assisted fashion and commercial photographers in Toronto for 2 years. She became a member of the Professional Photographers of Canada six years ago, and has served on the executive committee of the Hamilton/Niagara branch ever since. This is how Marta keeps up to date with trends in photography and is able to keep growing. She is a firm believer that a person should always be learning no matter how young or how old they are. She feels that you can always learn something from someone!
Marta is a people person and people are what she loves to photograph. Anywhere from babies to weddings, and from portraits to fashion… as long as there is people in her photos, she is happy!
More of her work can be viewed at www.martahewson.com
Photo Gallery
All images © Marta Hewson. May not be reproduced without permission.
Q&A:
What would be your media of choice (digital or film)?
Digital
What would you consider your first big break in the business?
When I opened my first studio in 2002 was when I made the mental decision that I was actually ‘a professional’ and that was
the first big change. The 2nd was becoming the exclusive photographer to an advertising agency and having a symbiotic,
well functioning relationship with them.
What was your most challenging assignment?
Every job has different challenges, whether it’s time restraints, a technically difficult situation, the weather,
or dealing with people or subjects in the photo. I can’t really say that a particular one stands out more than
the others. I guess if I had to pick one…. See below: ‘assignment from hell’
What is your funniest photo experience?
Once when I was photographing a Scottish wedding, I was in the Limo sitting directly in front of the bride and groom,
photographing a very intimate moment between them. They were talking and kissing. When I got out of the Limo and
was walking back to my car, I decided to check the photos on the back of my camera… I came to the obvious realization
that Scottish men really do NOT wear any underwear under their kilt!! Needless to say, I was not able to use most
of those images!
What was your 'assignment from hell'?
I once was asked to photograph the inside of a restaurant with people eating and having fun… to capture the atmosphere.
I had to go back 3 times to do it… originally they wanted to photograph real customers in the restaurant. So we
did. However, I couldn’t get the lighting right because my lights were malfunctioning, the restaurant was packed
and very small, and people that night were not very ‘good-looking’ and they just wanted to eat their dinner in
peace (and text all night long). So we decided to use models, when the restaurant was closed and shoot under a
more controlled situation. However, the restaurant refused to pay for models, so they got the staff to come in
for free and participate… well that didn’t really work either. They were young, not interested in being there at
all, in a hurry to leave, had the giggles (which doesn’t work to good at a slower shutter speed), and didn’t look
like couples that matched. So 3rd time around, they still didn’t want to pay for models, so I suggested getting
friends who were ‘good-looking’ couples, offering them free food, and photographing them while they ate and had
fun. Sounds fine and dandy except that one of the couples was having a MAJOR domestic dispute. They were in the
middle of a break-up and didn’t want to be near each other or anyone else (especially the other couple, who were
madly in love). They let everyone around know how much they hated each other and didn’t want to be there!! I think
in the end, they ended up taking images from each session (but I only got paid for one, of course).
What is the most exotic location you've shot in?
Portugal
What was your biggest photo mistake?
1) not learning business and marketing sooner. 2) going to a photoshoot unprepared
Your idea of the "dream assignment"?
Publishing a book of photographs (this is a self-appointed assignment!)
What three photographers do you most admire:
Chris Nicholls – He was my first mentor that I learned with. Ellen Von Unwerth – for the feeling in her images,
quality and subject matter Annie Liebovitz – for her drive and dedication And I must also add: Skye Hardwick – for
the dreamy quality and beauty in her children’s portraits.
Your top three photo tips:
1) Constantly be learning. No matter how old or young or how long they have been doing photography, everyone
knows something you don’t. Learn from others. Learn from past mistakes. Learn business as well as photography – art
and talent are only part of it.
2) Be different, don’t copy others. Use it for inspiration, but be creative.
3) Be
social, and be happy. Be someone that people want to be around. Be honest and trustworthy. This is important in any
business and in life.
If you could change your profession what would it be?
I really don’t want to change my profession… but if I had to, it would have to be something creative for me to
be truly happy. It’s hard to imagine doing anything else.
Your advise to aspiring photographers:
See above: ‘Top 3 Photo Tips’
All images © Marta Hewson. May not be reproduced without permission.