Gary Branich
Shot courtesy of Sandi Marasco
What is your name
Gary Branich
(Photograph of Gary by Sandi Marasco)
Do you have a social media presence you would like to share with us?
facebook.com/gary.branich
How did you develop an interest in photography?
Started in the late 70’s after an older cousin came to visit while living in Eastern Washington state. My camera died in early 90’s so I did not get back into photography until 2000 where I decided to get serious.
Can you describe that “moment” (experience, emotion,) when you knew that photography was something you just had to do?
Following getting back into photography my trip to South Dakota shooting at the Badlands, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse made me commit to photography.
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
My initial training was from various guide and how to books, but i wish I knew more about the seminars that were available.
Do you have any formal training?
No formal training but took advantage of seminars after a few years into photography.
How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?
Experiment and look to step out of my comfort zone. Most of my initial photos were landscapes of areas I have lived. Started playing with Macro, that sports action (team & motor sports). Still have no desire to do weddings.
Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?
My American Bison (Buffalo) trio shoot in a fog. The photo was taken in Custer State Park, SD and has a mysterious, mystic tone to it.
Whose work has influenced you most?
Have no one in particular, but can say attending seminars with Rod Plank, John Shaw and Rick Sammon they influenced me to experiment and stay with the basics, composition, exposure etc.
What is it that interests you most about photography?
We have the cliche as photographers “Capture the Moment in Time”. This is what we do as photographers, Try going back to some place or event and recreate that previous image. It can not be done, I have tied this many times.
What are some favorite things about being a photographer?
Seeing nature from different perspectives, wide views to macro details, stopping action in sports and capturing facial expressions in athletes
What are some challenges you’ve encountered?
I have a full-time job that has taken me to different areas of the US for short time periods and having access to motor sports venues is a challenge.
How has photography influenced you as a person?
I have become more outgoing as a person.
If you could take your art in any direction without fear of failure or rejection, where would it lead. What new thing would you try.
I would consider studio work with lighting as something new for me.
‘Do you find yourself always looking at the World wondering how it would look as a photograph?
As I travel/work in different areas of the country I look for different things to photograph.
What would be some tips you would give to a beginning photographer?
First tip would be to understand the relationships of Aperture, ISO and Shutter Speed to exposure. Second learn your camera to what you what to shoot. Don’t expect to master every function or capabilities of your equipment immediately.
How can you inspire others to get into photography?
Share my work/travel location experiences.
When did you join IEPPV?
January 2015
Why did you join?
New to the area and interested in making contacts with fellow photographers and the educational aspects of IEPPV.
What type of membership member are you?
Premium
Do you enter IEPPV Image Comps?
Not at this time, have taken the last year to observe the competitions and see what areas I would be interested in entering.
Have you ever merited or won a category?
N/A
Have you ever gone to an IEPPV workshop?
Yes, try to attend as many as possible.
If yes, What are your feeling on the workshops, instruction quality, value?
The workshops have been a tool to learn or reinforce skills as a photographer.
Have you attended an IEPPV shoot around?
Yes
What are your feelings on those?
They are another educational tool provided by IEPPV to develop our abilities.
Do you have ideas for a shoot around or workshop you would like to see?
What kind of gear do you use? (just major pieces to keep it short)
- Camera 1 or more bodies – Canon 1DX, 5D Mk III
- Lens – Macro 100 & 180mm, Zooms ranging from 16mm to 400mm
- Tripod – 2 ea Carbon Fiber with Ball Heads
- Filters – Polarizer
- Flash – Canon Flash/LED light
- Camera bag – Lowe and Think Tank bags and accessories.
- Mention others, if any. Gimbal head and Macro Rails
Some of Gary’s Images
