Ronald Reid

” My name is Ronald Reid (Jr), but many  know me by my alias name Director Ronald Reid. I am young independent filmmaker and  photographer.  I grew up in East Orange,New Jersey. I grew up like many of my friends from my town, faced with the typical problems of an inner-city kid; you know parents not having a lot of money, not doing so well in school, trying to survive the harmful streets walking home. I am really east going i love meeting and working with new people so if you happen to see this…LETS WORK;)!!!”

Ronald Reid

Which place do you call home?

I call New Jersey home of course I grew up here and i love it here many people would ask what is so good about Jersey, and for me it comes down to the different environmental elements of the state when i shoot. My town is only 25 minutes away from New York I can also find many different shooting locations here with different themes and the cost of living is cheaper so I cant complain really

Are you self taught or schooled?

Well I graduated from the school of Trial and Error. I decided not to go  to school for this because i felt like it would be a waste of money and plus google can answer every question about most sides of visual work it is up to the shooter to figure the rest out.

How did you get into photography?

In 2011 I bought my first camera and pretty much started shooting. I had a plan of course of what i wanted to do which was shoot music videos and photography eventually came 2nd to me but, believe that i do some decent photography work enough to have been published and do interviews like this.

IMG_4809

How long have you been a photographer?

I have been a photographer for 2 years and  filmmaker for 5 years now.

As you look through the viewfinder, what is the most critical moment in capturing your image?

I look for shadows I love to use shadows to create moods in my work.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my end product style as natural and moody. I love to capture my subjects in some type of emotional expression in the face or body and use the shadows to help amplify that mood. My retouching skills are not so good so I do my best to capture everything as natural as possible to minimize my retouching and post production work.

Ronald Reid

What do you think makes a truly memorable photo?

If a photo can make you feel something I think that is qualified for a memorable photo

We know each of us has someone or something that inspires our life and work. Can you tell us the true basis of your inspiration?

For me my favorite film director is Christopher Nolan I love how he tells stories and I hope to someday get better at that within my film career. When it comes to photography I am in love with Lura Jades vintage fashion photography work.

Tumblr! I really get inspired by random images to be honest I never know what i might find that will spark and idea.

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is anything to me it doesn’t always have to be clothing.

milan-9

What’s the craziest/funniest thing that ever happened in one of your shoots?

I one time planned a photoshoot with a model i been dying to shoot with for 2 years and when she finally flew into town I actually left my camera home good thing my iPhone has a camera on it right? 🙂

What photographers from the past or present have influenced you the most?

Joey L, Lura Jade, Russel James

What has been your favorite photo location or session?

I love to shoot in open fields

What type of cameras do you shoot with?

I shoot with my Canon 6D and 60D.

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?

50MM 1.4 I think this is the best all around lens.

Ronald Reid photographer

Do you prefer flash or daylight?

Daylight all day!!! only because I get annoyed working with flash and I dont know how to use it the way I want. eventually I will teach myself what i am looking for in flash but I like to see what my photo is going to look like before i take it.

What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?

Probably my ND filters which helps control light.

How important is Photoshop in your final images?

I dont use photoshop much but it is very important in fixing issues in an image I dont use it much I only use it to fix problems. Again i like to keep my work natural as possible.

IMG_0100

How important is a website and social media for your business?

Social media to me is more important then a website i think if people just want to see your work then yea go to my site but social media is where all the traffic is at and if you can get to the masses on one platform i think that plays a big role in getting your name out there if you really take advantage a social media platform.

Do you listen to music while doing your shooting? If so, what are you playing right now?

I am always liositng to music to help set the mood. I am currently playing FKA Twings on every shoot also, Drake,The Weekend and Paramore.

What advice do you have for somebody who wants to pursue photography?

I would say buy a camera and just jump in the water and discover yourself. You dont need school use google to your advantage. Dont copy peoples work get inspired but figure  out how to change things and make it your own.

What lies ahead for you?

Shooting movies!!!!!!!!!

 

milan-8

Photography by Ronald Reid

Instagram   website

Twitter  @TheREIDtv