[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/3-68.jpg” alt=”John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n
John Kuczala is a commercial photographer who specializes in conceptual,still life, photo-illustration and product photography.Based in New York City and Maplewood, NJ, John\u2019s works has graced numerous publications and periodicals including: Advertising Age, Texas Medicine, The Journal Report, and Discover<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Question ??” module_class=”in_question” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Answer” module_class=”in_answer” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n I started taking pictures when I was in the 6th grade and loved it. It was much different than today, using someone\u2019s old twin lens reflex cameras and 620 film. We had a great photo club in my high school and I was also interested in design and drawing. I was able to study both with a dual major program at Syracuse University. In my junior year there, I realized that I was much more interested in photography and that\u2019s what I wanted to spend my life doing.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/4-61.jpg” alt=”John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Question ??” module_class=”in_question” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Answer” module_class=”in_answer” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n I had to make a living! Right out of college, I got an assistant job in a New York commercial studio with Ted Morrison, and I grew naturally into shooting my own assignments. Ted was a great mentor and let me use his equipment over the weekends. What I like about commercial photography, particularly editorial work, is the assignment, the process, and the deadline\/completed piece.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/5-51.jpg” alt=”John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Question ??” module_class=”in_question” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Answer” module_class=”in_answer” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n I look at a lot of photography and illustration. I think everything you see and store in your mind can have an influence in your work from an interesting juxtaposition to a striking color scheme.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/6-49.jpg” alt=”John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Question ??” module_class=”in_question” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Answer” module_class=”in_answer” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n That\u2019s a tough one. I think my series of fish images is one of my favorites because it combines two of my passions, photography and fishing. Another project I love is the Totem series. I\u2019d seen these beautiful decaying trees in the woods by my house many times while walking my dog. It\u2019s one of my favorite places and isolating some of these natural elements is my way of honoring the beauty I see in these small vignettes in nature.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/7-42.jpg” alt=”John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Question ??” module_class=”in_question” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Answer” module_class=”in_answer” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n Photo illustration is my favorite. Just by the nature of how I work, these are usually much more involved so there\u2019s a commitment of time and really your own vision, creating something new. Though it\u2019s sometimes frustrating coming up with a visual interpretation for an assignment, its great when you get that \u201cAha!\u201d moment and the perfect solution. A lot of my work is editorial illustrations that have a quick turnaround and meeting a tight deadline can be a rush. It\u2019s kind of frantic going from concept to finished piece in a day or two, but also fun.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/8-7.png” alt=”John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Question ??” module_class=”in_question” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Answer” module_class=”in_answer” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n For my personal projects, I usually work solo. Maybe I will see something interesting that will spark an idea. Next I will take a couple quick shots to see how and if something I\u2019m imagining will actually make an interesting image. I currently share a studio in New York with a couple photographers, so I might ask for feedback on composition or editing. For editorial projects, collaboration is very important. I will first discuss the assignment with the Art Director or PhotoEditor. Sometimes they will have come up with a solution with their editors and team at the magazine, so it\u2019s just a matter of getting props or models, whatever elements are needed to be photographed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Other times they will ask me to come up with an idea. I\u2019ll rack my brain, take a walk, surf the net, toss around words and images to try to find the simplest solution to illustrating the story. I\u2019ll usually make some rough drawn sketches to see how a composition might work within a layout. I\u2019ll take these to the art director and make tighter sketches or photoshop a composite from images that I have so they can present an idea or two to their editors. Once we get approval, I have a couple stylists that I work with who will get props. I\u2019ll sometimes do the propping myself if it\u2019s not too involved or if it\u2019s a super tight deadline.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/2-74.jpg” alt=”John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Question ??” module_class=”in_question” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Answer” module_class=”in_answer” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n I shoot with a Canon 5D. When I started out, I shot mostly 4\u00d75 film. As I got into photo illustration, this gave me good images to scan. As the 35mm digital cameras came out with good quality sensors, it became obvious that this was the way to go for my work. Since I like to shoot all the parts of my illustrations, I could instantly put those pieces together to see if they worked.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/8-41.jpg” alt=”John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Question ??” module_class=”in_question” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Answer” module_class=”in_answer” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n To a beginner, I would say- \u201cKeep it simple.\u201d Master lighting that will show off the product\u2019s shape,color and features clearly. Once you have that down, you can move onto doing those things in a more dramatic way with varied lighting and backgrounds.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/9-7.png” alt=”John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Question ??” module_class=”in_question” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Answer” module_class=”in_answer” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n From what I own, my most used gear is the Canon 5D MK II with a 50mm macro lens.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/10-33.jpg” alt=”John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Question ??” module_class=”in_question” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Answer” module_class=”in_answer” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n In the studio, my favorite light modifier is a roll of 48\u201d roll of diffusion material. On the head is a 12\u201d reflector. This set-up works best with a grid spot or two.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/11-7.png” alt=”John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Question ??” module_class=”in_question” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Answer” module_class=”in_answer” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n Post production is very important to my work and I do it all myself.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/11-29.jpg” alt=”John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Question ??” module_class=”in_question” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Answer” module_class=”in_answer” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n I\u2019d like to complete a couple personal series similar to Totem or Get a Grip, but I\u2019m still waiting on the inspiration for what exactly it will be. I\u2019ve tried a couple things that weren\u2019t working out as planned, but maybe if I revisit them later, from another perspective, I will be happier with the results. I am working on shots of some rotting peaches in a store container. I hope to finish that soon because it\u2019s getting a little stinky and buggy. The colors in the beginning were pretty cool, though its mostly brown and green now.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/12-5.png” alt=”John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Question ??” module_class=”in_question” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Answer” module_class=”in_answer” _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n Shoot, shoot and shoot. Even pictures with your phone can help you remember ideas for later. Along those lines, a notebook is great for recording ideas that you can come back to later. I\u2019ve had some free time lately and have been going back through sketches that I sent to people which I liked but didn\u2019t make the final cut to production and publication. Don\u2019t be afraid to stop working on a personal project if it\u2019s not going right. Not every idea is going to be a winner, but you can also come back to it later. Don\u2019t beat yourself up or get frustrated. This is not procrastination, but you can look at it as a trial run. Pick up on something else.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/13-4.png” alt=”John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.7″]<\/p>\n The most important thing I\u2019ve learned is to not procrastinate. I still do of course, but my best days are when tackle each project head on without hesitation.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/14-22.jpg” alt=”John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.7″] <\/p>\n \nJohn\u2019s Blog<\/a> John Kuczala: Photographer and Photoillustrator Photographer and Photo Illustrator John Kuczala My Name is John Kuczala Just by the nature of how I work, these [photo illustrations] are usually much more involved so there\u2019s a commitment of time and really your own<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4869,"featured_media":67185,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5989],"tags":[11030,3310,18304,4165,3174],"yst_prominent_words":[9086,9085,18138,2000,18136,8794,18133,18124,18123,3155,18134,18129,18137,18228,68,1206,9183,8780,18128,612],"class_list":["post-67168","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interview","tag-camera","tag-interview","tag-john-kuczala-photographer-and-photoillustrator","tag-photographer","tag-studio"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67168","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4869"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67168"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67168\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67185"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67168"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67168"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67168"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=67168"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Photigy Interview with John Kuczala<\/h2>\n
When did you decide to become a photographer? Can you name a moment in time when it clicked in your mind and you realized that photography was more than a hobby,but a passion?<\/h2>\n
Of all the different photographic styles, why have you chosen to pursue commercial photography? How did you end up diving into commercial photography?<\/h2>\n
What influences your work? Do you look to other photographers for inspiration, or does your inspiration come from other sources?<\/h2>\n
Can you name a collection or single work that you have created that has resonated with you the most emotionally? Why is this collection or single work significant to you?<\/h2>\n
What are type of assignments do you favor the most, whether it\u2019s product, lifestyle or photo illustration. Why do you connect with this type of subject the most?<\/h2>\n
How important is collaboration regarding your artistic projects? Do you typically work with a team or run solo, could you give us insight into the process?<\/h2>\n
Do you shoot with a traditional 35mm camera or other type of camera, why do you shoot with this type of camera?<\/h2>\n
Photigy.com is a resource not only professional photographers, but beginners as well. What advice as it regards to photography, would you give a beginner starting off in product photography?<\/h2>\n
If you were limited to only working with a single camera body and a single lens, what equipment would you choose?<\/h2>\n
What is your favorite light modifier, or a light modifier that you use the most? Why is this your favorite modifier?<\/h2>\n
How important is post production in your workflow? Do you do all of your own post production or do you have a retoucher that helps you with that part of the photography process?<\/h2>\n
In regards to photography or personal projects what do you hope to accomplish in 2013? Are there any major projects on the horizon?<\/h2>\n
We ask all of our photographers and artists these final questions. What would be your words of inspiration and wisdom for those who are just starting, those that are finding their passion, and those seeking their style? What is the most important thing you have learned that you want to share with the world?<\/h2>\n
The Photigy Team would like to thank John Kuczala for his time and his great insights! We look forward to more of his awesome works. Connect and find more of John\u2019s works here:<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.photigy.com\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/15-17.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhere to find John Kuczala:<\/h4>\n
\nJohn on Tumbler<\/a>
\nFollow John on Twitter<\/a>
\nInstagram<\/a>
\nFollow on Behance<\/a>
\nJohn\u2019s Alt Pick Page<\/a>
\nConnect with John on LinkedIn<\/a>
\nhttp:\/\/altpick.com\/johnkuczala<\/a>
\nhttp:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/johnkuczala<\/a>
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