Here at Ready Photo Site we strive for building an informative and insightful photography related resource that would bring together both amateur and professional photographers, as well as fans of photography. From now on we will periodically post interviews with photographers who take photo art on the new level creating original, emotional and edgy images that touch the viewers to the innermost of their hearts.

Hopefully, our photographer interview series will become a decent inspiration source for our readers and you will learn a lot from the rich professional experience of interviewees.

Today we are interviewing Tom Hoops. We have already mentioned this Bangkok-based photographer in the article “Best Practices of Fashion Photography. Part 2″. We were amazed by his emotional, provocative portraits and it became clear our readers should learn more about this talented photographer and his unique approach.

A Brief Bio

Tom Hoops is originally from Bournemouth, UK, now he is living in Bangkok. Initially an aspiring painter, Tom picked up a camera to capture some interesting people in the street for artistic inspiration. Eventually photography became his main passion and today Tom is a well-known published photographer, whose strong, compelling photos make you just stop and look. Tom is a self taught photographer, mainly shooting portraiture, fine art, photojournalism, as well as commercial photography for fashion, music, etc.

Gear: In Tom’s own words, he is a Nikon user, his fav lens is the 50mm. Photographer uses sun as a mainstay lighting, unless it is a studio shoot.

Tips for beginners: Don’t be shy, shoot anyone and anything, get comfortable with your gear, your subjects and yourself and it will all start coming together…

All photos © Tom Hoops Photography

Fortunately, besides being a great photographer Tom Hoops is a nice and friendly person, and we thank Tom for taking time to share his thoughts and images with our readers.

What motivates and inspires you to create such amazing imagery?

I set out to create images that people take a bit of time over. Images that people respond to on some level. I’m still trying to incorporate that philosophy even for commercial jobs.

Ideally I’d like to have a body of work that people remember me for, lofty ambition I know, but you have to set yourself some goals.

Passion is the key for me. I dream about shoots…

What has been your most memorable assignment and why?

The Vegetarian festival was quite mad. People piercing their faces with all sorts of household appliances. It’s held every year in the south of Thailand, I shot this last year for an international tattoo magazine and they insisted I write a fairly lengthy article to go with it, so this was quite a challenge. Well worth it though if you have a strong stomach.

How would you name your photography style?

Difficult question for me to answer objectively, I don’t think I’m at a point yet where I have really reached a definitive explanation of my work. I know it’s strong almost emotional on some levels.

I am still trying to develop parts of my style, technique and workflow, I think I’m primarily a portrait photographer, raw at times but able to catch something that other would miss.

If you could live anywhere on this planet where would you build your dream home?

I have a plan to build a modernist glass and steel home on a beach or coast somewhere. I want to move back to the UK next year and also spend a significant amount of time in the United States.

A home in both would be nice, followed by a beach house on some exotic coastline…will need a few more jobs before that happens though.

Do you have some recent images you can share with us? What are your faves among them?

My last shoot was for a magazine cover, so I can’t share these until the magazine is out. But these are from a recent shoot. These come from a series of images all shot on one rather hectic day last week.

It was her first time modeling, so very happy with the results.

All photos © Tom Hoops Photography

A photographer who inspires you?

Lots of inspiration out there, Richard Avedon was a master and so was Eugene Smith. Both definite influences. For colour I very much like the work of Eggleston.

I try to keep some sort detachment though, I think in order to be your own photographer you need to do your own thing and that included not being too influenced by anyone.

How important is a website for your business?

Huge, I know just one successful photographer with no website. I would say it’s essential these days, that’s not to say that a good printed portfolio is not necessary though, some things don’t change and a bit or personal contact still outweighs an email. A well designed easy to use website is a must in my opinion.

A website and/or blog you visit often?

Talklfc, a Liverpool website, the BBC, timesonline, my fav photography blog would be aphotoeditor, very informative.

What if you could be invisible for one day with your camera?

Well I’d shoot all those people it’s tough to get access to normally. I don’t think one day would be long enough to get round to all of them though, perhaps you could give me the ability to fly as well.

What product or item do you wish you had designed?

Probably a camera bag, yet to find a bag I really love. Most of them are plain ugly and many of them are not even all that practical. I don’t really want to look like a nerd just because I’m a photographer.

What’s the best part of being a photographer?

I have a job I love, doing something creative, what can be better than that?

Photographing pandas in China, shooting Afghan refugees in Pakistan, Formula 1 in Monte Carlo or a session for Playboy magazine in Las Vegas?

None of the above, shooting someone with something interesting to say in their home.

Not sure any of the above fit my style but Playboy shoot in Vegas sounds like great fun.

Is there anybody, living or dead you would love to capture on film and why?

Nobody in particular, I’m interested in capturing anyone with interesting expressive features, a story to tell, an interesting life. Anything out of the ordinary.

Is there any photographer out there that you would ask to take you portrait?

Heheh, well I can’t take my own portrait, I’ve tried and never happy with the results. I think I would ask Richard Avedon if he were still with us today.

What state of mind do you have when shooting your models? Are you excited? Calm? Maybe timid? Demanding? Friendly?

Hahah!  Certainly not timid.. I tend to be friendly, try and put my subject at ease as best as possible. Really depends on who you are shooting.

I want the job done well and in that sense I can be demanding even a little intense but in general I think most of my subjects have a good time.

What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?

A reflector. Essential piece of kit for me and not too high tech..:)

How important is Photoshop (post processing) in your final images?

Very, I try to minimize my post as much as possible during a shoot but there will always be some post somewhere. The amount of work done depends on the client, the image and where we need to go with an image.

This is a quite extraordinary photo in your portfolio.  (Image)  Can you tell the story behind this shot?

Sure, this picture was featured on Kanye West’s site and there was some discussion about whether this was real or done with Photoshop.

Well I can tell you it is real, that’s a real sword and it’s piercing a real cheek. This photo comes from the assignment I mentioned earlier…lot’s of unusual facial piercings. They walk about for a good half day like that also. Apparently they don’t feel the pain either.

And the last question, if you had one wish…

That I’m busy and popular.

***

Tom thanks for making this interview available, it’s been a real pleasure talking with you.

To view more of Tom Hoops’ photography head on over to his portfolio website: http://www.tomhoops.com/

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