BTL with G

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I'm very exited to submit this.
It's the Behind The Lens Interview with me, that was done about 6 months ago. I thought it was lost, but with the help of eXsanguinousCorpse and Tachy-on it was sent to me.
I enjoyed the 3 hours interview (18 questions), and I opened up and talked about many of the things that makes my work what it is.
I hope you will enjoy, and if you have questions or comments, I would love to hear them.

Let's go!

1. thefirechild: My question is, what advice would you give to photographers wanting to better their skills in the field?

Forest Contemplation by gilad   Scars Of Humanity by gilad   Dreaming Of Colors by gilad

Well thefirechild, The best way to learn photography, is simply to photograph, and take pictures at the same time :)
I mean, you can learn a lot from books and schools, but you learn the most from simply taking pictures. A few years ago, it was hard to do that, because everything was so damn expensive.
But since the digital age has begun, learning has become very intuitive and easier.
You can learn what you did wrong, get immediate feedback on the net, and learn from your mistakes. I'm sure, some will need more help, but I believe that for autodidact people, It's the best way.

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2. brainpixels: hi gilad! Tell us something about your equipment (cam, etc.) - What do you normally use when you are on tour and what is always Important for you when you want to do a session, something you won't miss (On your equipment I mean). [We had a similar question on the chat with coxi and it was very interesting to read something about this] Thx :)

Lonely Eyes by gilad   Brain Dead by gilad   Night Crack by gilad

brainpixels, equipment is important. I have used a small Olympus c-40z until recently (it has died on me, RIP). I bought my D70 about a year ago as my pro camera, and my plan
Was to buy lenses as I go along, and meanwhile, to use the small compact Olympus for daily use. Since I can't carry my D70 with me all the time (to work, to bed, and in bed).
It worked perfectly. I took the D70 with the kit lens (Nikon AF-S DX 18-70m ) only to photo sessions (when I indented to take pictures) And had the Olympus with me for all other daily bases (it was always in my pouch). Of course, my appetite got bigger while using the D70, and I wanted to use it more, to its abilities, and so I added a polarizer, and an ND filter.
But still, that wasn't enough. The beast was hungry and demanded more. I bought a Sigma 70-300 ll APO macro lens. A cheap, but long tele lens. But the beast was getting angry. There was no satisfying her. I bought a Baby lens (that I recommend all photographers using SLR or DSLR get one. garrit: : additional info:lensbaby.com/pages/using.php ), and a 50mm F1.8, SB800 pro flash, IR filter (Hoya R72).
But all these are cheap (not expensive, that is) gear. I bought the Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG APO HSM , and an additional Sigma 2x Tele Convertor. And recently I bought my beloved wide lens, the Sigma 10-20mm. And the kenko extension tubes, and of course a huge bag for all of it, to replace the one I bought earlier, that was too small now (I wonder why).
Meanwhile, I replaced the good old 4 mega pixel Olympus with a shiny Nikon Coolpix 8800 to carry around, with it's own set of filters. But the funny thing is, that when I got to shoot with friends, so I guess more gear is still to come

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3. Tachy-on :wave: Gilad! :hug: Thanks for being here... you're doing a wonderful job so far! :) I was wondering how much planning goes into your Images? Do you plan at all? Do you have a concept in mind beforehand? Or Does most of your work come spontaneously and "in the moment"? (PS: I love You to death! :heart: :)

Can't Stop Dreaming by gilad   Childs Philosophy by gilad   Through and Beyond by gilad

First thing, so you'll know; I love you too.
Secondly, The term "plan" is tricky. I don't plan my shots. That means, I don't direct them. I rather take what comes. I have a feeling when a good frame is coming. Abstract, street shot, or even a conceptual one. I made myself a rule, an early one. I won't push the button, if I didn't know what the picture is about. I ask myself what are the message, idea, and concept. What would make it unique?
I usually give my shots "titles" in my head while shooting. Since I consider myself to be copywriter more than a photographer .
So, most of my work is spontaneous, just trying to see things a little differently from the fashionable order we are costumed to.

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4. flumpie: hi gilad, thanks for joining us :highfive: first of all, you're not the only victim of the beast :giggle: secondly, let me say that I'm Impressed with how you handle all genres from spontaneous street to Abstract, macros, stills and portraits. Which I think comes from a very Impressive knowledge and use of (especially natural) light. How do you approach light when you shoot, do you just go out for the special light in the morning or afternoon to shoot, do you wait for moments (e.g for street) on locations where you already see light is right? And for concepts you juggle in your head before shooting, do you plan light with the same priority as you do composition, moment and esthetique? Any hints on how to use light efficiently for street? :)

The Journey by gilad   The Visit by gilad   The Sweet side of the army by gilad

You just broke a record on the longest question. I need a dictionary here :lol:
Cool question, I never thought of my work using light, as a set of tips [ I added a tutorial on light since then…]
Well, light can be tricky, and there are times of day when it's better to take pictures (mainly in soft light). But since I don't "invite" my scenes on demand, I just do what I can to capture the moment with what I've got In Israel, when I do most of my work, there is a strong sunny weather. Sometimes it's bad, because of all of the direct light.
But I forced myself to learn how to go around it, not shooting against the sun, or using walls to reflect light.
When doing portraits I use fill flash to get a more balanced areas.
Lately I started using the SB800 flash on remote to get the flash to work like a spot, in outside shooting, and it works great! But I can't use any of it to street shooting. On the street you don't have time to build a "studio" (I sound like a cup going on about his life on the though streets), so you use natural light to your best.
Learn to work with aperture and shutter, learn how to use flash, learn how to use (or ignore) shadow, and hope for luck. Light is the secret of technique, but good photographs come from the mind, so It's important to know about it, but you can do very well as you go along.

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5. lafa :wave: gilad:) first I want to thank you so much for your :+fav: on my deviation, you dint know how much it means to me:)
since Tachy-on asked my question I got to ask you another one:): do you go photograph for your own pleasure? Or to pleasure other people (e.g. the people of DA or friends/family)?


Peacemaker by gilad   CHIMNEY BEACH by gilad Urban ZOO by gilad

It's my pleasure to :+fav: work that I like and love. Giving supportive feedback is important not only to the one we give it to, but also to our selves. I don't believe that :+fav: are grades, that only the top runners should have. Positive work, original ideas, imaginative thinking, all are worthy of support.
And to the question I go… I want to pleasure myself. I find photography to be equilibrium in my life. The last two years have been very though on me, and I would rather not go into that right here, but photography have made me balanced and even happy.
I started long time ago as a writer (In Hebrew of course) and photography only came 3 years ago, to compliment my writing as a visual concept. My writing was always a little dark, but the photographic work made it balanced. My visual POV is usually more peaceful and with a twist. I understand what it does for me.
For example, in last years reserve duty, I was stationed in Gaza, in a war zone. Tough I was in risk for a whole month, while bullets were flying around me, threatening to take my sons father away from him. I was shooting pictures all along this month, with my little Olympus.
When I returned home, showing my wife the picture, she said that it looked like we were "having fun". And I realized that the pictures did reflect some kind of a twist on reality. That I was compensating with my camera.
So I can say that I take picture for my pleasure, and sanity. And because I do that with all my heart and devotion, I believe others enjoy it too .

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6. Jenya-Lechtman :hi Gilad....sorry for earlier my browser crashed. I'm also from Israel and you are my favorite photographer in Israel. When I saw your photos and also discovered they are from Israel I was surprised cause I always thought that in order to have good pics you have to be in an exotic place but (you know the neighbors grass is always greener) you have proved me wrong. You have been a source of inspiration for me. What is your source of inspiration? How do you fit the songs you attach to each photograph to the photos? Sometimes the song touches me more then the photo itself...is it indented? How much does photography take over your life? I mean does it take over things like family, work etc? Where do you see yourself in a few years in terms of photography? I mean maybe become a pro photographer and make a living out of that? And how much do you manipulate your pics in photoshop? Thank you very much and keep the wonderful work p.s. I'm really sorry for not asking one question its just that I'm enthusiastic/excited to speak with you :)

garrit:faint:

LazyGunn:wow: Thanks for your question Jenya-Lechtman :) … or essay

garrit … new record, more than 10 questions :)

gilad … Well, we have a new record! :D


Early morning sketch by gilad   With a fist and a smile by gilad   CHAOS by gilad

I hope others will still have something to ask. Ok, let's start
About being Israeli, I agree. I use to think so too. It's hard to see all the beauty around you, cause you know it so well. You can say, you take it for granted. But I prefer to be like a little kid, discovering the world every time for the first time. Kids have the time of their life, discovering the world, we ware to blind to see (feel). That's what I'm trying to do, that's the POV I want to have. It's an angle I love to use (a low angle), it's new ideas, it's conceptual work.
And yes, It's the writing. The writing is, as I explained, what the photo comes from.
I am a writer, and only then am I a photographer. I've been writing in Hebrew for 10 years. Poems, and short stories. And when I started DA, I thought I could only show my photos here, since my English won't allow me to be creative as a writer.

Urban Doubles by gilad garrit- one of the best dA shots, watch it, comment on
it, fav it, love it!


Sure, I know English, but not enough to be a writer in it.
But my instinct was stronger than my thought, and I ended up writing in English too. I am so glad people notice it, like it, and comment on it. I am very moved when my words are able to move and touch (like in my "the things I've seen" peace). My inspiration; Well, I love alex liback for his street photography. I love many, but I think Inspiration I take from words, from Ideas, from moods. Photography takes a small amount of time (I work full time job with no cameras involved in it), but mentally It's with me all the time.
The future, Well, I hope in a few years to be a full time photographer, but to be able to do only what feels right. No weddings, and stuff (that is good, but I don't feel inspired by it). I hope to do more shows and galleries, do conceptual work, and submit it to DA. I hope in a few years, people will still ask me for my plans, it will prove to me that I'm still growing :)
Photoshop.. Well, I hardly use it. Not so good at it.
I do the levels, and USM, and curves, and I know how to change tones, and dodge and burn.  Almost never use it, cause I feel it takes over my photo.

OK, I think that coveres it... Thank you

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7. tyt2000 : hi gilad, can you share some tips that will help us see more creatively in urban areas? Thanks!

Children of the apocalypse by gilad   Peeking at the sun by gilad   MYSELF and I by gilad

tyt2000 I love the question
I feel that searching for beauty in the places where it's less obvious, is what being an artist is all about.
First, you have to be open to your environment. Urban areas have a lot of contrast. Old and new. Big and small. High tech. and antique. Even, life, and still life. That generates ideas, concepts. A bird sitting inside a pipe drain very common in the cities I know, but stop a while and think how contrasted it is, and how strange it will look for someone that never noticed that before. Look for reflections, they show you reality in a different way. I'm crazy about reflections, Shadow, and textures. Look for the contrast of beautiful natural sky, and sharp architecture corners. Urban beauty is all around, and It's only when we pause and look around with intent to see it, that we do

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8. shteyn : Hi Gilad! How many shots do you tend to make of any existing version of a picture, and do you find yourself shooting in burst mode often or with a tripod?

LOOK by gilad   Sea Of Time by gilad   Reality Show by gilad

I use Tripod for long exposures only, like night shots or Infra Red.
In street shots there are no second chances. You usually get one or two shots. That's it.
In abstract shots, I take more, but not more than 2-3 tries.
Macro shots are crazy. I need 30 shots to get one exactly right. It's hard to get the right light, focus, angle. But basically, I tend to do very little tries of the same scenes.
Thank you for the question :D

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9. gibberstoadzdoll : gilad I wanted to say congrats on the today's prints on natures gold, truly a gorgeous shot. I work at ritz camera and recently bought myself a Nikon n75. It's been awhile since I'd used a slr camera. Mine was stolen years ago. So I'm getting back into photography. I admire your candid eye for photography. Any advice you may have to offer would be appreciated. I want to try different genres and different techniques. Any suggestions/tips?

A place under the sun by gilad   Give a Hand by gilad   Stoney Weather by gilad

Sure, There are a lot of fields to explore.
I believe that abstract shots are the best way to "get into shape"
You know, test your creative ideas, and photographic eye. Patterns, textures, graphic shapes.
You will learn so much about composition and personal style, from a simple abstract.
You can find 30 different frames in a small room, shooting abstract. You could never do that otherwise. You start using light and shadow in your abstract. You add technique (DOF, and light metering). You experiment. Add lenses and filters Like the Lens Baby, (that garrit added a link to before). Macro and stuff.
I believe that somewhere along this road, you will feel your statement, you unique quality. That's who you are in photography.

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10. magicofmail : Hi gilad. You said you wouldn't make a photo if you wouldn't know where it was about, does this mean all your photo's have meaning and you never shoot pretty pictures? Did it require much training to always see the meaning in a photo before you made it? Do you also think this is a criteria on what you can recognize a "true" (by lack of being able to come up with another word) photographer? (Sorry for multi question) thanks

Windows Update by gilad   The clouds painter by gilad   I want 2 B your friend by gilad

What works for me, doesn't have to fit everybody else.
Beauty is message, though it's not a heavy one. When I said I know what the title of a picture when I take it, I didn't mean there has to be a heavy message in it. Abstract is a "non message" kind of photography (though the fact you take an everyday thing and show it as an abstract, is a massage on itself). I take "shallow" pictures that are supposed to be nothing but a beautiful thing to look at. Like the butterfly I captured in my last work.
What I meant was that I knew where I was going with the picture, as a writer. What will I say about it. What will I bring to this picture that will reflect the way I see it. Sometimes that difference is not in the image itself, but in my comment or note. And sometime a "no comment" from me, is my biggest message.

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11. Deviant-Dave : Thank you for joining us today gilad, I've already learned so much... When you first started photography what about it made you realize that you wanted to continue doing it, and does it still affect you today?

The things I've seen by gilad   The Unknown Prophets by gilad   Time Laps by gilad

Thank you :)
Well, I have to admit, it's the feedback and support.
I started photography by accident, so I didn't accept it to become such a big part of my life. The feedback I got, right from the start, just blew me away. The first photos I submitted in a Hebrew site, came to compliment stories I wrote. They got noticed more than the stories, and frankly that got me pissed. But after awhile, I learned to include more content inside my photo, so the worlds were not necessary. The feedback got stronger, and I started some forums, and galleries.
By the time I got to DA, I already felt like I know what I doing.
Now, I rely less on the feedback, since I have a different scale of appreciation to my work. I know some of my personally loved work, will not be favored here, but that's cool :D

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12. ArturA : Greetings up there to Israel and to Gilad :hug: :wave: ! Every picture has its' own story. Some story on funny, some dramatic, some are just interesting to listen/read. Could you tell some your favorite story/adventure what some (of your) picture carries? And one question more (sorry garrit :aww: ). Is some of your books transferred into English? Could you name this book (if not, then tell your favorite your-written book) ?

Little Fairy by gilad   Little Treasures by gilad   ZEN by gilad

Thanks ArturA :)
I guess the picture that speaks the loudest for me are picture from my reserve duty, and some from India, but I can tell you some, with the most personal stories, have not been released. They are by far, my most personal stories.
I think that in the DA gallery the most favorite of the all is Prayer for survival by gilad
But sometimes the story I write for a picture, makes it personal. Like "the things I've seen", "The Unknown Prophets", and "The clouds painter".
In terms of books, I'm working on one now. It's in Hebrew, but if you know anyone that would like to publish me in English... I'm here :)

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13. thefirechild : Another question for you gilad, Who is your favorite photographer here on DeviantART? Why? Thanks:)

The Observers by gilad   The long way home by gilad   A Touch Of Crayon by gilad

I was waiting for this one..
Well, It's hard to pick one.
I admire the technique of :iconcoxi:
I feel his ability to make everything look so cold and engineered, is very impressive.
:iconmichel-lag-chavarria: - He brings so much emotions to his work, intense work. And he is a beautiful soul, and it compliments his work so well
And I also love :icongarrit: work (Did you hear about him?). Very moody, stylish, and smart.
I could go on, after all I do have a lot of favorites picked...
[garrit:whisper: foureyes]
Well, maybe one more… :iconfoureyes: wonderful Bernie… ohh
And :iconaquapell: too :)
Well, I love you all, but these are consistently have been the best.

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14. flumpie : hi again :D so many great answers, thank you. :highfive: I have just two and a half simple questions. If you were going to a remote island with no communication with the outside world for five years, and you could bring three printed photos with you, which photos would that be (yours or others)? You mention that you also work a full-time job in addition to parenting, is the remaining time spent being a happy amateur photographer that can shoot what he likes or are you doing/considering pro work as well? And finally, what are good bars to visit in Tel Aviv if one is to meet and share bottles of fermented grape juice with fellow photographers, painters and other artists in the area? :lol:

B by gilad   Passing Thought by gilad   Silent Sonnet by gilad

3 photos? I would defiantly take one of my child (if you are sure I can't take him with me), one of my wife (not a wedding one), and one of my mother's. Something that will make me feel loved, and home sick.
My full time is a money job, one that allows me to provide my family with what it needs. I hope in 8 years (Yes.. 8) I could consider taking art as my main job.
I do shoot for a magazine, and I do some shows, and sell my work, but I do more than half of it to help my friends, volunteering.
About the Tel-Aviv Bars, I'll have to get back to you on that. I'm to busy doing live chats to be drinking in bars! :D

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15. sundreaming : Ciao Gilad =) great to have you here. My question is on the tech side but it involves inspiration. Being a digital photographer you don't have to choose between BW and color film, so what makes you decide that "that" photo is meant to be converted in BW (or sepia, or whatever) or left in full color? Maybe you already "see" the subject in BW so you know that "in advance", or you rather wait to see it on the monitor then you decide? Thanks a lot and keep up the outstanding work =)

Luminosity by gilad   Warriors by gilad   Living in color by gilad

Great question sundreaming, really
I usually feel right then, when I shoot, if it's a black and white, or sepia, or color, or mixed.
For example Change by gilad
I remember knowing exactly how it would look, the second I saw him climbing the ladder. If I try to define "rules" B&W connects more to emotion, to age, to nostalgia.
Pictures with very few colors, are usually converted to B&W. Sometimes, I decide to do B&W photos, and so I shoot with intent to get the "mood" I want, High ISO, raw look, Open aperture. Rarely do I choose something to be B&W if it was not indented to
begin with.

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16. Idhril :  Thanks for being here, Gilad. I started street photography some months ago and I have some doubts, especially ethical ones. I dunno whether to shoot interesting people asking permission or not. Do you ask permission when you get close to people? This is a problem I've been having for some time now, people have the right of image, so you can get in trouble if you capture people who do not want to be captured. Did photographers like Bresson or Salgado ask permission? Some people say they did, but that would make the frame lose most of the spontaneous look. What's your take on this? Oh, just another thing, any tips on how to be discrete enough not to get stolen or similar? Thank you, my friend

Firestarter by gilad   The house of the broken sun by gilad   Do it alone by gilad

I remember at the beginning, I had real problem with street photography. The same problem you speak of.
It becomes easier with time. You feel when you should ask permission, and when to smile silently. If I had chosen to be a journalist, it would probably be harder on me, since it was my job to shoot pictures, even of the ones that don't want to be photographed.
You know, the law allows us to shoot anyone, everywhere, as long as it's a public place.

Even if the one we are shooting, asks us not to shoot
Regardless if it's our job, or hobby.
But, I see no reason to invade someone's life, just because the law permits it. So I decide each case, with thoughts about the one I'm shooting. Sometimes I'll pass

Libak, the photographer I look up to, doesn't ask permission, and even got sued a couple of times. I don't respect the fact he shows no respect, but it's his job, not mine.
Anyway, I would never ask permission in a scene, that making the interaction itself, will lose the authenticy of the scene.
I didn't understand the part about the stolen or similar, so feel free to question me in a note :hug:

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17. urcullu Hello again Gilad :highfive: .I admire ur work a lot and I find it intriguing.. I guess it could be because it's a culture so different and every picture is SUCH a storyteller. I wanted to ask a couple of questions such as: how to get those lovely tones you got in: "A reflection of innocence", your featured deviation, i mean.. it kind of looks like sepia. But I am not sure if that's what you used. They just seem bright, pure and very clean. Would you explain the process? I just love those peaceful tones in portraits. Mainly the question is.. what's the process to get them? Lighting? Or what? ...And as always.. congrats for your awesome work... :hug:
.. And my very last question… I've got a Canon Elan 7n.. which is a film camera and i bought it because I needed it for my photography class (all of my pics were for it developed and printed in a dark room, except the very last ones) I don't know if I should buy a SLR digital camera or just buy a film scanner, which would be much affordable (I'm a college student, not plenty of money but I don't want to waste money either that's why I'm not sure if I should keep saving or get the camera with my credit card)

garrit … come on ... :faint:
LazyGunn … that's a very big question..


Riding High by gilad   Between Earth and Sky by gilad   My shattered memory chip by gilad

Well, I have good news...
I finally finished reading the question

garrit … hehe

I try to give every picture a different treatment. It's not like I have a way to repeat tones and process.
Sometimes I go for high key, and sometimes on the dark look. I Usually get it with lighting and exposure. In portraits I love using soft tones, especially with my son (it softens and emphasizes the emotion).
In A reflection of innocence by gilad that is one of my favourites, I used sepia 40%

About the DSLR, or scanner, it's hard to tell.
I would say that a scanner would be a better first step in financial aspects.
Though, in the long run, digital is much cheaper for the one that takes a lot of picture :).
Anyway, buy a good scanner, or go for digital.

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18. geostant :  Wow, I'm the last one :)
You know, they always keep the best stuff for the end :rofl:
Well, first I would like to apology that I missed 10pm as I promised ;)
Second, I would like to say that I'm proud to be a fellow photographer that live in the same country with a person such creative as you, it's amazing (your work of course).
And for the question: when are we going to photograph together at the big city? (Galitz will come too :))


AHAVA by gilad   Spectator by gilad   One day by gilad

Now that's a personal question everybody... see and learn!
:D
Let's arrange something, for sure ;-)
I'll note you my phone number, and we'll get together.

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LazyGunn And thanks for the great questions everyone

*****

A few more things,
My past journals, If you missed it:

1. Art is all about expression

2. About Photography, and Israel too

3. DA Thoughts

4. Infra Red

5. Let me shed some Light

If you didn't hear about the wonderful project of ArtistsForCharity now its the time! go, share, and help.

These are three prints of my work, I gave to the project so far:
:thumb25868807: and :thumb25653391: and :thumb26333866:

Yours, G
© 2005 - 2024 gilad
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synthetickisses13's avatar
Is there a way of giving a basic rundown of your life :) I know it's an odd request, but I'd like to do a presentation of your work, and I have to have a biography to go along with it... So I was wondering, I know you're from Israel, but are there any other little key fact I could mention? Do you have a favorite photographer/artist who influences your own work? When did you start taking pictures/realized you enjoyed doing so?
Thanks!

(by the way, your work is AMAZING, I'm no photographer, but i'm definitely influenced by what you do!)