Growing up around the bright lights and bustling energy of the television studio where his dad worked, Chepe Nicoli (LuckyOliver screen name: Chepe) is no stranger to being behind a camera. This native of Mexico recently took part in an e-mail interview with LuckyOliver's own word maven Amy where he told her about where he gets his inspiration, and the time that he saw a tourist falling from the sky.
CN: If I were a romantic guy, I would say that it's 'the essence of love and nature' that inspire me, but I'm not. (laughs) I guess I'm just inspired by life itself. Even when I shoot an inanimate object, I feel like it still has life because it's part of life, you know?
CN: I've been taking photos since I was a teenager. My father was a television producer, so from a very young age I grew up with and felt comfortable around cameras, movie sets and photo studios--I know I may be dating myself, but I've been around photography and film since the 1970s.
When I got a bit older, I studied photography in school and actually have my Master's degree in advertising and communication. For a time, I actually studied 3D animation, and in the 90s, I actually quit photography for a while and the only thing I did was 3D work. Since 2000, I've been interested in returning to photography so I'm re-learning the craft…and now I'm working as a photographer and producing 3D animation.
CN: There was one time when I was in Puerto Vallarta, and I watched in horror as a tourist and his parachute crashed into a hotel building...I could tell he didn't understand the proper way to manage the parachute but there was nothing I could do to help him from where I was standing. The reason that I missed the photo wasn't because I didn't have my camera with me--in fact, I did have it slung over my shoulder with a telephoto lens and everything--but rather, was because I was so transfixed by watching this happen that I simply forgot I had my camera with me.
Luckily, the guy--an American tourist on vacation--wasn't seriously hurt. It was only after I found that out that I remembered my camera and thought what an interesting series of shots those would've made.
CN: If you are shooting models, talk to them, and make sure that you connect with them before ever picking up your camera. Make them feel comfortable--treat them as cordially as you would your best friends.
Realize that they might be nervous in front of you, especially with the lights and the camera, so let them know that it's okay to be nervous, that sometimes you're actually nervous and that you're both there to learn and have fun from the experience.
In terms of general advice, it's important to know the technical aspects of photography and digital arts--having a good idea of how to use Photoshop, for instance. But don't make the mistake of trying to rely solely on the technical part, because it's only a tool you can use, and only a small part of the "big picture".
And remember that sometimes simple is better. Some of my bestselling photos are the simple ones--I just try to think what a designer needs.
CN: Thank you. And I'm looking forward to seeing what LuckyOliver will be. I'm excited about LuckyOliver because of the way you talk to visitors--it's very friendly. I know that the LuckyOliver business model is going to succeed and make a difference in the photography industry.
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