METAL PULP AND PAPER: Hello Ed. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for Metal Pulp And Paper’s feature called Behind The Lens. We appreciate it.
Before we go any further, let’s first tell everyone what Behind The Lens is all about. This feature is about the person that’s behind the camera lens. All about that individual that captures that perfect fiery orange of the setting sun, finds a child jumping in a mud puddle in the pouring rain, or catches the moons glow in the water next to some snowcapped mountains. Or captures the rock guitarist jumping in the air during mid solo. It’s about finding that beauty in something that some might not take notice of in their everyday busy lifestyles. Behind The Lens will be a way to get to know a little more about the photographer and the work that they bring to everyone. A full 360 degrees around the camera.
So, let’s take off the lens cap, and go behind the click of the shutter and get to know more about you and your photography, shall we? How long have you been a photographer and taking pictures? ED CAMPBELL: I used to mess around with my dad's Minolta back in the late 80's-early 90's... but I started taking it seriously about 10 years ago when I bought my first Nikon DSLR. MPAP:What first drew you to it? ED: Because my dad had a professional looking camera, my friends volunteered me to photograph the tricks we perfected when I skated... Made us all feel like we were shooting for the pages of Thrasher magazine. MPAP: Was there an inspiration for picking up the camera and beginning that journey into the art of photography? ED: Yeah...I used to look at my dad's Playboys when I was really young. I also used to look at his Easy Rider mags... And I think that since I was to young to understand what was going on...I really learned to appreciate the art of photographing women in that Helmut Newton style...but I always wanted to see those tattooed, edgier women photographed in that Playboy style. So, around about the time of Suicide Girls came around, I started seeing that vision that I always wanted to see, come to life...showing the beauty in people that society looked at as ugly and low class...got my first digital camera right around that time. MPAP: Now that you’ve been doing it for a while, what interests you the most about it? ED: I love Photoshop. Photographers, in at least a small way, are a little narcissistic...meaning, we are taking an image with the intention of making our audience see what we are seeing in the way we see it. That is why photographers have always created ways to manipulate a photo in the darkroom. We want you to see what we want you to see in the way that we want you to see it...and that is the art of Photoshop. In the past couple years, the technical end of the camera has really been my focus... MPAP: Is there a passion behind it for you at all? ED: Of course,...I have really been looking into changing the focus of my shooting from models to live concert photography...not fully, but, I love the atmosphere and the vibe and the challenge of being able to nail your shot that disappears forever if you miss it. No posing, no "hey, let's try that shot again"... If I miss, it's gone. And since I have been a musician for so long...my passion has been pulling me in that direction lately. MPAP: Can you describe that moment, the experience, or even the emotion you felt when you knew that photography was something you just had to do? ED: I don't know that I can pin it down to any one experience...but, to this day, when I show a model that I'm working with, the RAW image from the back of my camera...no Photoshop, just the straight image, the she says something like, "oh my God, is that me?" I really enjoy doing that for them...especially new or first time models. So many women are made to feel ugly, and when they can see that they can look just like the girls they see in the magazines, I don't know...it feels good to make another person feel beautiful. MPAP: What do you like to photograph the most of? Do you have a favorite setting, scene, landscape, or any items that you like to capture? Or do you like to just take pictures of people, or perhaps a live music concerts now and then? ED: I like to be on location. I sometimes get bored of some photographers images, simply because they are shoot in the same studio all the time. I have been guilty of this myself... The convenience of a studio... But I like to find interesting venues. I draw inspiration from my surroundings. MPAP: Is there anything out there that you try to avoid taking pictures of? ED: Again...I just try not to shoot in the same place all the time. MPAP: When picking up the camera, it obviously took some time, along with some practice, to get the feel and hang of it of what you wanted to do or go with it? Maybe even a class or two was taken to learn more about it. Tell us what were some of the challenges you’ve encountered with taking pictures? ED: Never took any classes...well, now I watch a lot of YouTube tutorials, but that's only lately. I look back at some of the stuff I have done, and it's embarrassing...not because they are bad, but because my focus just the art of taking the photo...and if it was technically good, it was luck. Now, I still have a lot to learn, but in most cases, I can get the image in my head, to show up in my camera. MPAP: What have been some of the difficulties you’ve experienced since first began, and maybe still happens to this day? ED: I am constantly learning...everyday I see something new, it hear of a new technique or something that can make my work better. So, it's really difficult for me to not rip apart my old work for not applying the knowledge and techniques that I just learned...I get down on myself that way a lot. MPAP: On the other side of it having some difficulties, what are some of your favorite things about being a photographer you can tell us about? ED: I have met some really great people that I wouldn't have met without a camera. You really get to meet some interesting people and personalities. MPAP: What have been some of your camera highlights so far that you can share with us also? ED: Uh...being published is cool. It's cool too think people you have never met are looking at my images. I have also been able to see some great bands from the inside of the barrier, like, Megadeth, Fear Factory, and Slayer. MPAP: When someone sees the picture you’ve taken for the first time, whether it’s the new bride and groom, or a family member that just had a baby, what do you want someone to get out of it? ED: Usually, if I'm shooting something like a baby or a wedding, I'm doing it for money...so I just hope they like them enough to tell their forms so they can hire me so I can make more money. Photography is expensive...paid gigs keep me with the most up-to-date equipment. MPAP:Is there ever anything you’re trying to say within your pictures, a message deep in the pixels that makes it up? ED: I do like to offend, although I haven't been doing offensive photography in a while. I also used to do a lot of horror style images. I run a small publication called Goregasm Girls Magazine, and I call it grotesque and sexy. I love the contrast of taking someone beautiful and sexy...slathering them in fake blood and gore, then making people real with it. I like when people say to me, "oh my God, she is so beautiful. Why did you make it ugly with all that blood?" MPAP: Is there an artist or another photographer out there that you admire and might have influenced you at all? What about their work do you love the most? ED: It depends on what style...I have always admired Helmut Newton. For what I typically shoot, I like Hugo V, he is the perfect mix of technique and editing... For live photography, my favorites are Edward Colver and Glen E. Friedman. I also have an infinitely inspiring network of photographers in my area that push me...Scott Church, Sean Williams at Dragon Ink, Jack Cutler and Duke Pham... Just to name a few. MPAP: Before we move on to talking about the pictures that you shared with us, are there any tips or advice that you would want to give yourself if you had to pick up the camera and start photography all over again? ED: Yeah. Take a class. Not with the intention on teaching you how to photograph, but so that you have the knowledge to be able to photograph what you want, the way you want it. Make friends with experienced photographers that you admire...one or two words of constructive criticism can save you month and years of trial and error. MPAP: Now on to the pictures that you took and have shared with us here? Take us into each one of the pictures and tell us what they are about, and which one is your most favorite and why? This is a tough one for me...I know it's cliche, but it's like picking your favorite child... So I picked a few by swiping on my insta and picking whatever my finger landed on...
This first shot is very indicative of my style. I like my sessions to be spontaneous and organic. This shot happened as an idea from an idea. I was setting up for shot idea that I had, and my ADD kicked in and I was like..."wait... Let's try this instead and see what we get" and this was the result. Plus, this is Elizabeth Rose. One of my favorite models to work with. She just brings such positive energy to our shoots. So...this one doesn't have much of a story. Was playing with different lighting and tones to really bring out the definition in her muscles. What's interesting is that this all took place in a tiny little apartment. People sometimes look at an image and think that it is some grand location and lights on cranes and this huge production... when in many cases, like this one... you're in a tiny room with furniture shoved up against a wall with your lighting propped up against a chair to get the angle you need...there was only one light on this photo...it was behind her in the kitchen, sitting in the counter, propped up with a bag of sugar or something.
This one was taken of Kali Feline during a double shoot with Fallon Vendetta for Rudechix clothing and the NYC Zombie Crawl. We got bloody during the first half of the shoot because we were shooting for the launch of a horror line of shirts. I snapped this one as we were changing sets. The second part of this night, there were made into zombies...it was a great night. Ran into the wee hours of the morning. But good times were had and great shots were made. This is a recent shot I did with another one if my favorite models. Betty Pagen is super cool and down to earth and naturally talented...in fact, she did the makeup in this shot in herself. It was just the two of us in this warehouse. I added the smoke and chains on Photoshop to give more of a Hellraiser feel. But this one goes back to my roots of shooting a sexy horror style. MPAP: Those are some great pictures. Thank you for sharing the stories behind them. Everyone has a different style or taste, whether it’s street photography, modeling, black & white, or nature, from your point of view what do you think makes a good picture? ED: I think, any photo that makes you stop, is a good photo. Whether you decide that you like it or hate it...It has taken a moment out of your life, and it drew you in to it's world. The longer it has you, the better it is...even if you hate it. MPAP: After the camera is put down for the moment, for the day, or for the night, whether it’s for a day or a week at a time, what else do you like to do in your free time? ED: Well, I love to create. I am artistic at my core...I like to draw, paint and sculpt. I have also been playing guitar since I was 13...I haven't been in a band or played live in a while, but I still love to play and write. I have been kicking around the idea of putting together a band since I have more time now. MPAP: Before we bring Behind The Lens to a close, just one last question and we’ll wrap things up and put the lens cap back on. What would you want to say to someone that’s interested in taking pictures for the very first time? ED: Photography sucks...haha. Like any art form that has a heavy technical side, you will always feel like you could have done it better...and the thing that sucks it that you are right. You can always do it better. But that is also one of the best things about it. There is so much to learn and so many ways to look at each shot and so many ways to get inspired...there is no roof on how much enjoyment you can get out of a camera. So, buy a camera, and don't worry about getting the most expensive equipment...a good photographer can take a great shot with any equipment. Just stay humble and keep learning. MPAP: On behalf of myself and Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you, Ed, for being a part of this Behind The Lens feature. It was great getting to know you and your photos. We look forward to seeing what you will capture in the future and beyond. Please tell us where we can find your work or your photo galleries on the internet, and any social media that the readers can follow you on? ED: Instagram @rebelimagephotos and @rebelimagephotoslive Facebook @RIPhotos Once again, thank you.