In conversation with ... Paul (jeeperman)

[Donald]

Name: Paul
Location: Seattle
Website: http://pheupel-photography.smugmug.com/

CiC: Thank you for agreeing to take part in 'In conversation with ....' here on CiC.

It is my pleasure. I enjoy reading these, now let's hope I have something interesting to say.


Please tell us something about your general back-ground. What about your work history? Where you grew up? Things you have done. Anything interesting

I grew up a military brat. Being so, I have lived many interesting places from Alaska to Japan and many more. As for my work history....in my school days I cleaned residential windows. I then joined the Navy and was schooled in Steam Engineering. After 4yrs I left the Navy and for a short time returned to cleaning windows. I secured work in a prefinish wood mill and became the pre-finish supervisor/chemical and color man. After 9 years the chemicals were getting to me, I left to go back to windows, while not as glamorous it is what I enjoy.


And what about your family life?

I am fairly close with my family. In fact I live less than a block from my father and most of the rest of my family live within the Seattle area. I have a 21yr old son and a 19 yr old daughter who live on their own. I just pray the call "your going to be a grandpa" doesn't happen for at least another 5 or so years. =} It is just me and the dog at home, most times. My girlfriend of 6 yrs lives across town.=}


If you were staying in tonight, what would you choose as one of your favourite books and/or films to keep you entertained, and what you be having as a favourite meal?

Books? Yes, they come in the mail once a month. =} Seriously though, I read books on my hobbies. I also enjoy a few photo magazines. I have never had much luck with stories as I tend to fall asleep 3 pages in whether or not I am enjoying the story lol. I do enjoy a good action or drama flick and have been caught enjoying sci-fi on occasion. As for a meal, I am not picky and eat more than I should. If I had to pick....either honey smoke ribs or lobster would do fine.


OK, photography is a given, but what about other hobbies or personal interests?

I have spent my life hunting with both guns and bow, however these days I shoot mainly with my camera. I love to 4 wheel my jeep, ride my sportbike and fly-fish given the time to do so. Pretty much happy doing anything outdoors.

EDITOR PICK #1

Let's get on to photography - how long have you been a photographer, and what got you interested in the first place?

In my early years of school, art was a favorite class. In high school they offered photography in the same credit group. I had always like to take photos and felt this might be a good class to take instead of "regular" art. I loved it.

After school, life got busy and I lost track of my Pentax K-1000. I spent nearly 20yrs capturing memories with multiple P&S, always longing for more. 2 yrs ago I was offered a Sony A100 at nearly pocket change. The flame was quickly re-stoked and I had found the artistic outlet I had been missing for so long.


What type of photography are you interested in, and why?

I love landscapes/seascapes and anything nature related. It is where I am most at peace. I enjoy most all types and plan to do more outside my comfort zone but I am a nature boy at heart.


Any particular photographic influences?

While I enjoy and admire many past and present, I have never really kept track. I am influenced as much or more by you good people reading this. I am still developing my style and you all are in some way helping to shape that. I look forward to when I can see a style imerging.


What do you hope to achieve through your photography - or what have you achieved already?

I hope to make great images! =} I hope that they are not only enjoyed but serve as an eye opener to our surroundings for those that go through life not seeing the beauty infront of them. Some that we may lose to "progress" if we do not keep watch.

It amazes me when someone sees an image of mine and asks..."Oh wow..where did you have to go to take a picture like that?" and my answer to them is..."you know that path you walk down to work everyday...."

I have been invited to do a couple of local shows this summer, should prove interesting. While I do not look to ever quit my day job, I must admit I do feel a sense of accomplishment when I sell a print, knowing that my art with my signature hangs on someones wall.


What you think of CiC? Any way it could be improved? Where should it go from here, in your opinion?

I think CIC is a great place to learn as there is a great knowledge base here. It is also a great place to share. I do at times wish for a little more direct critique. Some do a great job but I feel many are hesitant to say what they truley think. I like a pat on the back once in a while as much as the next guy and even believe it helps some become more confident.

I would just like to see more people giving honest straight critique and believe it would help them critique their own images. We all know that is the true difficulty. lol Easy guys, I did not just declare open season on Paul! =}


Getting more personal if you don't mind...what keeps you awake at night, apart from Photoshop?

Nothing at all! I have never had issues sleeping. I once fell asleep while walking home from a friends house. Yep, took out a mailbox in the proccess. lol


I have to ask this…. What photographic gear do you own, and what software do you use for editing?

I have a camera and some lenses. =}
Ok, =} I shoot a Sony A77 and for lenses a 50mm Minolta 1.7, Sony 16-50 2.8 and a Sony 70-400G 4-5.6.

For a tripod I use a Manfrotto 190xb with a Giottos 1300 ballhead. Flash is a Sony f42, assorted filters and a Tamarac back to carry it all. I use Gimp and on occasion SNS-HDR.

The A100 and lenses went to my daughter, maybe some day we'll see some of her images here. =}

EDITOR PICK #2

It's difficult to be objective, but how would you rate your photographic skills and ability?

Evolving! While I am happy with how far I have come, I also see how I can go much further.


What will the digital camera be like in 2030? And will you still own one?

I think the cameras to come will be more efficient but I don't think the differences will equal the differences in the past 10 yrs. I do think PP will take quite a leap forward though. Absolutely I will own at least one and likely a couple.


Are you in a position to help or encourage others in their photography?

I help where I can, as my knowledge is somewhat lacking when it comes to the highly technical bits. I think I learn as much by helping others as they learn from me. If I have the knowledge than so shall you. I am often approached while out shooting and enjoy helping when I am able.


You often see debates on the subject … but do you consider photography to be art?

Absolutely! Although I believe it depends on the image and the intent of the photographer. A grocery list is written but I do not consider it literature.


How do you feel about having your own shot taken?

I love making video.....uh....wrong forum. =}
I don't much care to have my photo taken, although I don't put up much fight.


What single piece of advice do you think is most useful to someone starting out with photography?

Be open minded! Open to what and how you might shoot as well as what others might do. Be open to critique and or advise. It is not that you have to do everything suggested but listen and decide why or why not. If not open then the door is closed.


Can we see two of your shots that mean something special to you, and could you explain why.

This sunset image is special to me for a couple reasons, first it was taken the first photo outing I did with my father. It is also the first image that I ever sold. The interesting thing is...the person whom was first to buy a print did so because he had taken his sick father out for a boat ride, appearently that same evening in that same bay. His father past a month or so later.




This second image is special to me because when I saw the light just barely touching the flowers I thought my girlfriend would like it, if I could capture it. So I made it for her and it happens to be my favorite flower shot to date. I don't do many and I have not been able to equal this one.





Finally, can you give us one interesting/weird/silly thing about you that we probably don’t know?

I have lost my marbles! So, in hopes to find my childhood sanity....I collect antique and vintage marbles. Yes, the toy marbles. =} I have in the neighborhood of 10,000 marbles made between the 1870s-1960s.

Thank you, again, for taking part in 'In conversation with .......'

Thank you Donald and thank everyone who took the time to have a read. =}


Read all the other interviews in the series by going to this link

[FrankMi]

An interesting background, Paul. I have enjoyed many of your posted images and editor's pick # 1 is one of my favorites. Looking forward to seeing many more of your marvelous images!

[jprzybyla]

Great interview Paul, nice to know more about you. Wonderful images chosen for this interview...keep shooting my friend.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Paul,

As interesting a read as all the others in the series, so you scored on the first part.

For me Editor's Pick #2 and I love that sunset too, what colours!
Perhaps because I don't do either type of shot very well myself, I appreciate your good examples more

btw, have you seen my marbles? (not that I collect, I just keep losing them)

Cheers,

[dje]

Thanks for sharing your story Paul. I admire your work, keep it up. Love that sunset image too !!

Dave

[Wendy Stanford]

Thanks Paul, great interview, nice to know more about you, wonderful image of the sunset, such colour

[jjbacoomba]

Right On Paul! Great getting to know more about the man behind those beautiful images. They are very inspiring. I'll be sure to bring my special coffee mug with me when I go back home to visit. Oh!!! GO SEAHAWKS!!!!!!!!!!

[jeeperman]

Thank you everyone, I am glad it was enjoyed. Dave, I think I have a few to spare. Joe, when you come home give me a shout, we'll catch a coffee or beer.

[Ryogenetic]

Paul, thanks for sharing, those are some really great images, does any one in Seattle not own a jeep?

Ryo

[Diane]

If only I could capture the landings of ducks like that, love it !

thanx
higher expectations,

Diane

[Nicola]

I was imaging you completely different..!! anyway you are not the first, and you will not be the last!

thanks Paul for sharing your beutiful work!
I admire your wildlife shots!
ciao
Nicola

[jeeperman]

Thanks Ryo, yes there are two or three non conformists around. lol

Thank you Diane.

Thank you Nicola, now you have me curious on how you had me pictured. lol

[gcowan]

Lovely work. I particularly like the flowers, I have been photographing them a bit lately but can't seem to get the harmony you have.
Graham

[Nicola]

Thank you Nicola, now you have me curious on how you had me pictured. lol

well... I was imaging you as a boy in the twenties, without sons but full of girlfriends...

mmm.. my description in addiction to nickname "jeeperman" seems a portrait of "MacGyver" on the first series

[jeeperman]

Thank you Graham.

LOL Nicola, thanks for the laugh...it's been some time since the twenties. Although I am glad my youth is still present.....somewhere.