The Great Communicator – An Interview with Tampa Bay Glamour

It is indeed a pleasure to interview a personal friend, Chuck Jackson, of Tampa Bay Glamour for GlamModelz Magazine. He is one of the most encouraging individuals in the modeling industry. He often gives kudos and/or critique to others that is aimed at assisting a person to visualize and reach the next level. One always feels encouraged after speaking with him. As I’ve followed Chuck’s work, what is apparent is the gradual development of a highly unique and individualized style. His fingerprint is evident on every image that he produces. What is equally as unique is his degree of professionalism and rapport with the team with which he works…his reputation is beyond compare.

GlamModelz Magazine: Thank you, Chuck for taking time out of your busy schedule to allow our readers a chance to learn more about you. Tell me about your background…and how you became interested in Photography?

Chuck: Well, I started taking pictures as an enthusiast back in 1991. At that time, 35mm was the most popular trend for non-pros and many pros alike so I jumped in with both feet! I was self taught, learning by reading photography books and through trial and error. I burned through a LOT of film!!! I would take pictures of friends, events, stills, animals, etc.; just about anything I could to learn how cameras worked. I learned all of the “technical” aspects of aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc. As my interest and skill level grew, I started taking pictures of friends and family weddings in 1996, then started dabbling into fashion and glamour in 2003 doing a few fashion shoots. In 2005, I shifted to digital and purchased my first DSLR and haven’t looked back since. Every once in a while, for nostalgia’s sake, I will whip out the 35mm and click off some shots. I continued working in wedding and in the fashion and glamour genres and here we are in 2009.

GlamModelz Magazine: Why Glamour /Beauty? What other genre’s and styles interest you?

Chuck: In addition to glamour work, I have an interest in wedding, commercial, and portrait photography. Generally speaking, I like wedding photography – A LOT, but I have a passion for fashion and glamour work because in a lot of ways, I can be more creative and have more flexibility afforded by working with other industry professionals and themes.

GlamModelz Magazine: What or who inspires you as a photographer?

Chuck: I have different influences for different photography genres. To name a few, in the fine art realm, Mr. Brian Perkins has been a mentor and role model for me. He was the first photographer to REALLY help me fine tune my craft and REALLY kick my photo editing skills up in a MAJOR way. I think the work of Ansel Adams has also inspired me; not so much by the subject of most of his classic works (nature, landscapes, etc.), but because of his influence in photography in general and how friggin’ AWESOME he was!!! He showed us all what it means to be the BEST in whatever it is you do in this art form. Whether you shoot people, birds, commercial products, etc., your creativity and expertise shows through the lens. The difference between a snapshot and a masterpiece is HUGE, but the subtle nuances involved in GETTING there are so fine, so small, so seemingly insignificant that it takes YEARS to master them. His thoughts on improving images in the dark room through dodging and burning, etc., have led to many of the same techniques in today’s “digitial darkroom” technology using photo editing software.

GlamModelz Magazine: What challenges do you face in this industry? What would you change about it, if you could?

Chuck: Time is my greatest challenge. I simply do not have enough time to put into photography at the level I’d like. Another challenge is that “who you know” dilemma that exists in photography (and everything else, for that matter). A lot of times, opportunities come down to who you know, not necessarily the talent or ability of the photographer. But this is the reality of just about everything in life so it is, what it is…

GlamModelz Magazine: What equipment is essential for you as a glamour photographer, to capture your “best shot”? Chuck: A good DSLR (I prefer Nikon), good lighting equipment (or using reflectors for natural light), and good glass (lenses)!

Chuck: Paid gigs are, of course, best. But, from time to time, I do TFCD work to experiment and capture something new. Doing TFCD work also allows me to keep busy and maintain my skill level when business slows down (photography is a perishable skill so use it or lose it…). I turn down a lot of TFCD requests simply due to lack of time; not that I want to be mean or think I am above, I just don’t have time to do it.

Chuck: I try to infuse glamour with my own creativity and vision. I can edit my images “cleanly” (with little or no photo editing) or I can apply some pretty funky and complex photo editing techniques to make them look artistic and different. I try not to get pigeonholed into any one thing so that my images are diverse, sexy, creative, and aesthetically pleasing.

GlamModelz Magazine: What are your goals for Tampa Bay Glamour?

Chuck: Not sure yet. Still working on that one…LOL

But one thing is that I want TBG to expand. I don’t want it just to be me – I want it to be a collaborative effort among several photogs in the Tampa Bay area.

GlamModelz Magazine: I enjoyed your article regarding Managing a photo shoot – In summary, what elements do you feel should be present to make for a successful shoot?

Chuck: communication, communication, communication!!! LOL

Chuck: Not sure yet on this one either… This is a work in progress!

GlamModelz Magazine: What advice do you have for new/amateur photographers who want to shoot glamour?

Chuck: One thing I see a LOT of amateurs do is they shoot with flash directly on their models creating harsh, unattractive shadows. DO NOT DO THIS!!! The trick is to bounce flash indoors and if you cannot bounce this (like when outdoors or with high or off color ceilings indoors), use diffuse, soft light with a reflector or light diffusing equipment (like a softbox). Start doing it this way, and start seeing MARKED improvement in the quality of your images!!!

Chuck: Nothing of note. I wish I did, but right now, I am sticking close to home to finish a number of things I have in the hopper…LOL

GlamModelz Magazine: In addition to photography, do you have other skills/interests/talents in which you excel?

Chuck: I am a people person. I am a communicator. I know how to manage people and processes. That is what I do…

GlamModelz Magazine: What other interesting facts would you like GlamModelz readers to know about you?

Chuck: Married with children – just like the TV show!!! LOL

GlamModelz Magazine: Where can we see more of your work?

Chuck: www.tampabayglamour.com  www.modelmayhem.com/1477257

GlamModelz Magazine: How can models who wish to shoot with you contact you?

Chuck: My email is the best way: tampabayglamour@yahoo.com I look forward to hearing from you!!! Thank you, Jett!!!

Chucks Gallery