Interview with Photographer Robert McCormac

My name is Bob McCormac, I am a photographer from Woolwich, New Jersey. I’ve traveled extensively in the United States (49 states) and outside the US to destinations that include: Canada, Mexico, Barbados, Bermuda, St. Martin, UK, France, Spain, Monaco, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Tunisia, Egypt, and Australia.

His website: mcllc.photoshelter.com

How did you get started in photography, and what drew you to this art form?

My father was an avid hobbyist photographer and I’m sure that watching him during my youth helped kindle my love of photography.  My father gave me an old Brownie when I was ten and that was the start of it, although it was another fifteen years after that initial experience before I finally became really involved.

A robbery at my home in the 1980s and the loss of two cameras set me back again for another ten years.  Getting my first digital camera was the event that really propelled me forward in photography, and I haven’t stopped since. My retirement from the Information Technology sector allowed me to really concentrate on photography as more than just a hobby.

What is your preferred style or genre of photography, and why?

Predominantly, I’m drawn to Travel and Landscape photography, but I don’t want to be constrained by one or two genres. I attempt to create images in all genres with varying degrees of success. While the guidance I’ve heard for many years is to concentrate on a particular area, I believe that exploring all genres on a continuing basis helps me build my overall skills.

How do you improve and develop your photography skills?

Practice, practice, practice but in all the genres!  There’s always something to be learned from attempting to create work in areas that are not your primary concentration.

What equipment do you use and why?

I started out with a couple of different Canons, then went to Fujifilm, and then onto Sony.  My current kits consist of a Sony A7R II for my Landscape and Travel photography, and a Canon 5D Mk4 that I use for Portrait sessions. I find that Canon 5D Mk4 rendition of a portrait image to be more pleasing overall and consequently have stuck with it for portraits, while the Sony A7R II is generally superior in the other genres – but not always.  Occasionally, I find myself surprised when switching up kits for whatever reason at the time.

What do you think is the most important element of a great photograph?

I think that varies depending on the subject matter but in the end, it all comes down to making a compelling image that draws the eye of the viewer into the photo whatever it might be.

What professional photographers have influenced your work?

Definitely, Peter Hurley when it comes to Portrait work.  He developed a style that was unique at its time and in my opinion brought portrait work into the current century from where it had been for so long.

When it comes to Landscape and Travel photography it would be Ansel Adams (along with a million other people).  Not only a master of capturing the scene but he was also relentless in printing many versions of a photo until it best matched what was in his mind’s eye. The story behind Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico is a fascinating one.  Originally shot in 1941, he wasn’t satisfied with the prints until finally in the 1970s when he achieved what he thought best represented what he saw with his own eyes. Relentless!

As an educator, I would say it’s Jay P Morgan.  JP understands how to communicate concepts and fundamentals to his audience in a straightforward manner that still excites.  His YouTube channel and The Slanted Lens community group are among the best you can find.  I wish I had been able to study with him twenty years ago!

How do you stay inspired and motivated as a photographer?

Honestly, I find it difficult to stay motivated which is one of the reasons I’m always straying into other genres.  Achieving an image that excites me when I’m finally done with it is the biggest factor in getting the creative juices flowing.

How do you handle difficult shooting conditions or subjects?

This is difficult to really put into words.  For me, I just keep shooting – moving from angle to angle and exposure to exposure. I don’t have a structured process when things are not going as planned and tend to try and feel my way through the situation.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in photography?

First, don’t get caught up in the hype around gear. A “decent” cropped sensor camera and a 50mm lens will get you well on your way.  It can be surprising what you can capture with just a 50mm lens!

Second, you’re in the digital era so LEARN the software!  I don’t care if it’s Adobe’s products, CaptureOne, Luminar, etc. – if you don’t have a respectable mastery of the post-processing software you’re going to be frustrated. Yes, it requires time that’s not spent shooting but it’s a time investment that will pay huge dividends in the end.

Lastly, shoot images every day and then process them.  The whole process of shooting, processing the images, and examining the images closely during processing will make all the difference in the end.  And don’t forget to go back and look at those images one, six, or twelve months later; you may be surprised at what you see after some time has elapsed.  I am constantly reviewing my older work and am surprised at what I captured or missed.

What do you hope your photography communicates to your audience, and why is this important to you? 

In the end, it’s about creating a finished image that draws the viewer in and provides a sense of WOW!  To be sure, I’ve missed the mark on those scores more times than I can count, but I keep trying to achieve that something that I see in my mind’s eye and bring it to my audience.