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Kevin Mullins

I finally was able to get one of my favorite (if not my favorite) professional photographer to answer a few questions as part of my interview series.  I am honored he took the time to answer a few questions for me.

I discovered Kevin’s work via research on YouTube and happening upon his channel.  He is a professional wedding photographer (and some street) but emphasizes documentary photography.  Most weddings especially here in the United States are portrait driven or posed, Kevin’s is not.  He captures candid moments from various views and none are staged or posed.  He also shoots predominantly monochrome which is my favorite.

Kevin is a Fujifilm ambassador, which means he gets to try out various Fuji cameras, provides feedback to Fuji and helps to promote the brand.  Unlike other camera companies (to my knowledge) he is free to like or dislike cameras, lenses or even functions of those cameras without repercussion.   Also unlike other companies, though he gets to try various cameras for free (many times before they are released), he must pay for any cameras/lenses he plans to keep.

As mentioned before I found Kevin on YouTube, specifically researching camera settings and film simulations.  Ironically many of my settings closely resemble or even mirror his own.  The ‘look’ or ‘feel’ of his pictures is one of the biggest things that draws me to his work, and I even have a deep respect for his work though it differs in genre from my own.

Since ‘finding’ him on YouTube, I also located his website and soon found his podcast, which I am a regular listener of and I might add a big fan of.  He along with Neale James have such knowledge and charisma on the podcast that their messages whether Fuji related or not, have helped me think and rethink how I shoot.  Their podcast reminds me of two friends (mates in their terms) hanging at a pub having a few beers and talking shop.  Along the way they answer questions, tell stories and share their insights.  I even was able to get a response and interview from Neale James as posted earlier and can be read here.

It is always great to meet your idol (sort of).  I hope you enjoy his interview and highly recommend his website, YouTube channel and especially his podcast with Neale.  I also was excited when at minute 49:44 – 53:04 of this podcast, I heard my name.  The whole podcast is wonderful and worth a listen, but now I am famous amongst my friends.  Thanks, Kevin.

Links:

Website – https://www.kevinmullinsphotography.co.uk

Website – https://f16.click

Instagram – https://instagram.com/kevinmullinsphotography

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/documentaryeye/videos

Podcast – https://www.fujicast.co.uk/?page_id=38

Which is your favorite lens? – For interchangeable, it’s the Fujifilm XF23 F1.4.  Though I would pick the X100F over any of the interchangeable cameras.

What is your favorite style of shooting? – I enjoy shooting in a reportage style. This means images are not contrived or staged.

Among the gadgets that you own, is there something that you wish you hadn’t bought? – Possibly my Elinchrom Rangefinder lights.  Not because they are bad, but because I’ve never used them.

How do you educate yourself to take better pictures? – Constantly look at my own work.  Critique it.  Edit it upside down (this works). Learn from photobooks and always remembering that light, composition and moment are the three things that make a good image.

Whose work has influenced you most? – I’d say from a wedding photography point of view, initially, it was Jeff Ascough.  Externally, I love the work of Eliott Erwitt and Fan Ho.

What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos? – That a good picture absolutely needs good light, composition and moment.

Thanks again Kevin for taking the time to answer my questions.  You are an inspiration to me and many others.

Until next time,

Tim

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