We’re here spending a little time with Chicago based photographer, Scott Bell. Scott recently moved to Chicago from South Florida. Find out what Scott has been up to. >> Read past interviews
ephotos: When did you realize photography was your thing?
SB: I received a “Mickey Mouse” camera when I was about 5 and have taken pictures ever sense. I still have the camera hanging on my wall.
ephotos: Was there a photographer that inspired or influenced you?
SB: Jerry Uelsmann was the first photographer that caught my attention. I was amazed by the altered realities he was able to create. In college I spent many hours learning how to do those in-camera and darkroom techniques only to discover Photoshop 1 could do what would take me days in a few hours.
ephotos: What type or what style of photography do you shoot?
SB: Mostly “Active Lifestyle”. I really enjoy meeting and working with athletes. They are very driven and focused individuals.
ephotos: What type of equipment do you use?
SB: Canon…all digital. I sold my film eguipment on Ebay.
ephotos: What sparked your move to the “windy city”?
SB: My wife and I had been looking for an opportunity to move somewhere else. The company she works for had an opportunity in this area for her so we decided to try it. I grew up in Upstate New York and really missed the change of seasons and the freezing cold temperatures. Endless summer gets a little boring after 18 years.
ephotos: What’s the worst thing that has happened to you during a shoot?
SB: I guess I’ve been pretty lucky to not have any major disasters in my career. As an assistant I dumped a huge floral display all over an extremely expensive rug in the middle of the shot just before the light was perfect. There was a lot of stunned silence and than frantic cleaning. Not one of my better days.
ephotos: Your website, scottbellphotography.com , has some interesting features, the “shake” after the dunk when entering your sports gallery and the birds in the outdoor gallery. What would you say to an editor that thinks this is a distraction?
SB: I’ve gotten both negative and positive feedback from that. It is something my web designer wanted to add but I think in the next revision that will go away.
ephotos: Do you have a rep or agent?
SB: I had one in Florida, but not at the moment.
ephotos: Where have you traveled recently for work?
SB: Mostly to Florida taking care of my clients there.
ephotos: Do you ever just shoot for fun?
SB: I recently bought a Canon G9 that I have been carrying with me everywhere. It has allowed me to play at taking pictures instead of it feeling like work. The results have been pretty interesting. I’ve shot a couple of keepers and several ideas to explore with higher-end equipment.
ephotos: Do you deal with any stock agencies?
SB: My stock photography is currently with Digital Railroad.
ephotos: Do you feel like you’re being treated fairly by your agency?
SB: So far, but they just raised their percentage from 20 – 30%.
ephotos: What do you think will be the next big trend in the photo industry?
SB: Multimedia.
ephotos: Do you use a resource site or publication, other ephotos.com?
SB: Photoserve, Altpick, Creative Hotlist, Chicago Creative Directory, ASMP, APA, Portfolios.com
ephotos: What are you working on next?
SB: Finding the next big project.
ephotos: What do you think about what we’re doing at ephotos?
SB: It’s clean and well done. The interviews are a nice touch. I’ve seen some traffic to my website from this site.
ephotos: Is there anything else you’d like to say about yourself or your work?
SB: I’m not wearing any underwear.
ephotos: We didn’t need to know that, but we appreciate your honesty. Thanks for your time , Scott, and remember to keep the focus!