This week we bring you another unique shooter Adam or @TheCatalystMachine — is a talented shooter and a creative photo editor that photos can best be described by what he calls “abstracted reality”
If being original on Instagram is what increases growth and reputation, then Adam’s page is definitely one to watch.
At @launchdsigns we are simply drawn to creativity and in any form and @TheCatalystMachine defines what our account is all about.
Whats your style of photography, what type of images do you identify with most?
My style? Well, I guess you could call it a type of abstracted reality due to my manipulation of color and reality in some edits. I really love architecture and cityscapes… Although I want to venture into more landscapes and portraiture in the near future to expand my knowledge and skills.
Who are the photographers influenced you?
In the very beginning, I was heavily influenced by @traperture, @frvnkyvng, @aroundq @forwardtrends, @joselivinup and @ashley_sprankles due to their unique vision & amazing use of color, composition, and imagination. Nowadays I take inspiration from almost anything… I also get daily inspiration from the amazing artists/photographers I feature on my pages @nocturnal_visionaries and @eyecandy_collective.
Do you think that photography is an art form?
Photography is definitely an art form. It’s become my way of expressing myself through visuals.
What technology (camera) do you use?
I’ve been using a Nikon D3300 for all my images with mainly the kit 18-55mm for 99% of my images. I plan on upgrading lenses and my body soon to allow more creative options.
What motivates you to continue taking pictures?
My motivation comes from a lot of things. Through most of my 20’s I was a mess; consumed by self-loathing, alcohol & drugs that I used to escape my problems & past. After a long hard road, mostly by my own design, I came out of that and straightened myself out. There was still something missing in my appreciation of this life we live. About a year and a half ago I started playing with a point and shoot before purchasing my DSLR & started realizing how incredible the world is around us. Over the last year, I’ve really delved into this art form and I’m constantly in awe of how truly beautiful life is. That is my real motivation… To express my vision of this world, it’s beauty and energy. Hopefully, people get it and can see something they pass every day without a second thought in a new light and get some inspiration.
Which is your favorite lens? Why?
My favorite lens is my trusty little 18-55 kit. It’s the only one I currently own and has been pushed to its limits and performs pretty well… Although there are much better lenses I will be getting shortly, that 18-55 has been my learning tool and I find that invaluable. Gear isn’t everything, it’s what you do with it.
What camera gear do you wish you had? Why?
The camera I wish I had is the Nikon D810. I feel it’s an extremely well-rounded camera for almost any situation.
Do you use Adobe Lightroom for edits? If so what presets do you use? Your own or downloaded/purchased.
Except for my manipulation edits… I do all my work in Adobe Lightroom. I usually do every image from scratch, but recently I’ve put together a free preset pack with a help guide for photographers starting to aid them in their journey.
How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?
YouTube is my daily education tool. Well, that and practical application in real-world situations.
Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?
My favorite? Well.. that’s hard. I think it’s a sunset image I did a while back on an ugly overpass. The reflection, sunburst, colors of the sky & emotion I felt standing there was great. Witnessing such a powerful sunset on a random dirty overpass reminded me that no matter how filthy life can get there is always something beautiful waiting for you over the proverbial horizon if you are willing to look.
What role has Instagram played in your photography/designs?
An extremely heavy role… Seeing the immense talent around the globe and how they perceive things is a constant driving force into exploring new ways of looking at the world & I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
How to use aperture and shutter speed correctly.
What makes the good picture stand out from the average?
I think images with a true artistic vision or voice that sets itself from every other image is good. Like seeing a picture of the Statue of Liberty… There are countless photos of that iconic spot, but when someone makes it stand out from the rest. That’s what grabs me. I try to do that with locations like that.
What first drew you to photography? The artistic side of it. I play music, am a chef by trade and like to write/draw, so I’ve always been a creative type. When I discovered what could be done with photography in this modern age of technology I was instantly hooked.
When you’re out shooting—how much of it is instinctual versus planned? Other than the location I go to (which is sometimes random also) everything is instinctual… I go off the emotion I feel or one I can evoke later in post.
Where are you from, where do you live.?
I’m from Orlando, Fl. Other than a few years in Atlanta, Orlando has been my home.
Follow Adam on instagram @TheCatalystMachine or on his feature pages @nocturnal_visionaries and @eyecandy_collective.