It’s been two weeks since our last SmugMug Corner, and 76 interviews in, it’s still one of the best ways to kick off the weekend. Starting next week, while the SmugMug Corner interviews will remain every other Friday, we’ll also add a similar series here on the Corner Blog called “Corner Member Close Up” where we’ll interview one of our own from the Corner Community on the alternate Fridays! Now we’ll have a photographer interview every Friday! But we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves as this week we meet 55-year-old exec from the Boston area Ed Spadoni. Check out his great interview and 9 photos below - and enjoy your weekend!

Name: Ed Spadoni
Website: www.edspadoni.com

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m Ed Spadoni, age 55, blissfully married for almost 30 years and proud dad of two amazing young adults. Home is south of Boston, Massachusetts. I’m an executive with a healthcare staffing company, and for me, photography is an opportunity to express myself creatively, to learn and grow, and to meet some really great people.

Up Close and Personal - Nikon D90

What is your background/training in photography?

Almost entirely self-taught. Other than a one day Nikon Photography School class, I’ve learned by doing, and by reading the likes of Bryan Peterson, Michael Freeman, several volumes of the Time-Life Library of Photography (timeless), National Geographic Field Guides, and more. I’m currently reading a book on the Nikon Creative Lighting System and Scott Kelby is in the queue. Today’s digital cameras provide instant feedback allowing you to try any of the different techniques you read about or see, repeatedly, experimenting and improving along the way. I have also found that studying the work of other photographers is a great learning tool, asking yourself why one image appeals to you or does not, and why. Trying to replicate something you’ve seen someone else create is very valuable. SmugMug is great for that, but more on that later.

Last of the Sun - Canon PS

How long has photography been a passion for you? When, where and how did it start?

My brothers and I grew up around cameras, thanks to our Dad, who was the first “shutterbug” in our lives. I grew up shooting with Dad’s Brownie, a Retina IIc Rangefinder (which I still have), a Miranda SLR, and even an SX70. Photography satisfies a need to be creative and to capture life, and I thoroughly enjoy sharing my work with friends and family. I carry a camera with me at all times, even if it’s just an inexpensive P&S or my iPhone, because opportunities abound, and as they say, “life happens”! Those lesser cameras have served me well in a pinch and resulted in some surprisingly good images.

By the way, we’re in the process of converting over 1,000 of Dad’s best slides to digital right now.

Autumn Splendor - Nikon D90

What equipment is in your camera bag? What piece of equipment will be added to the collection next?

I’m a firm believer in the adage “less is more”, so you won’t find a camera store in my bag. In fact, I believe that 80% of making (not taking, as Ansel Adams said) a great image is dependent on the skills you bring. These include your knowledge of the science of photography (e.g. depth of field, stopping motion, etc.), composition, and having a trained eye to be able to see that great image in the first place. About 20% is the gear – for example, I know I can’t expect the same low light performance from my P&S as I can from my dSLR. But without “seeing” the image first, the best camera won’t capture it for you. Your most valuable photographic equipment is what’s under your hat.

So, I’m the proud owner of a Nikon D90, 18-200 VR zoom, 35 f1.8 and 50 f1.8 primes, SB600 flash, Slik tripod and monopod, a Nikon remote (very handy), and a Canon A540 6mp P&S. A Stofen diffuser on my SB600 makes a world of difference.

I had been thinking that an ultra wide zoom would be next but I’m becoming intrigued with macro photography, so…

And Then - He Was Gone - Nikon D90

What are your favorite places/subjects to photograph? Why?

Wherever the opportunity to make a great image presents itself. I often find those opportunities in the least likely of places.

Graffiti - Canon PS

Who are your biggest photographic influences? Why? What about their work influences your work?

Someone said you need to really look at 10,000 images before you attempt to make one. I enjoy and try to learn from all the images I encounter, and I try to look at as many as I can, whether it’s the stark reality of James Nachtwey or the drama of Ansel Adams or the creative energies of fellow Smuggers.

Pedestrian - Nikon D90

How long have you been Smug with your photographs? What features do you most enjoy with your SmugMug account?

I’ve been Smugging since 2005. I appreciate the professional appearance of my SmugMug site, the ease with which I can present and organize my images, the statistics, (especially since the recent upgrade), and I am especially fond of the Communities in SmugMug. Last September I began a photo a day project and joined the Daily Photo Community. The work of other members in that community is inspiring and I have learned much from them. The exchange of feedback is also very valuable.

Solitude - Nikon N80

If you had do sum up in 50 words or less the impact SmugMug has made on your photography/photography business, those 50 words would be…

The ability to view the work of others, and have my work viewed by them, has provided inspiration and motivation. I believe my photography has improved as a result.

The Chase - Nikon D90

If you had to give one piece of advice to those wanting to pursue photography, what would you tell them?

Learn the basics by reading and studying the work of others, but go out and shoot, shoot, shoot. Experiment with new techniques, develop your eye, and never stop learning. That’s the beauty of photography – there’s always something new to master. And don’t forget, have fun!

Urban Renewal - iPhone