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Interview: Meet Jason!

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Happy Friday! Recently I have had the opportunity to collaborate with some amazing photographers, models and other crafters and I am planning to showcase them to you from time to time via interviews…let  me know what you think:)
First, let me introduce you to Jason Weddington.  He is the photographer who shot my 2011 Spring Collection. I wasn’t sure how shooting with someone I did not know would work out, and I was a bit nervous. In the past, when I did photo shoot, people I worked with was either friends or friends’ friends.  But it turned out that I really enjoyed working with Jason. 
One thing I have to mention is the speed at which Jason works.  He shot, edited and finalized the pictures in 72 hours.  He served in the Marines which is where I guess he learned that work ethic…he does their reputation proud. Simply Amazing!  
I was 100% satisfied with Jason’s work.. and would love to see what he is going to work on in the future.. If only Andy were able to use a camera like him!

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Can you give our readers a quick self introduction?
Hmm, let’s see.  I’m 33 years old, I live in Tokyo, and I’ve been in Japan for about 9 years.  I spend too much money on camera equipment, but this year I’m going to do better.  I’m also going to lose 5 kg.  (It’s good to have goals, right?)  I shoot travel scenes, street photography, portraits, event photos, and fine art.  I like pictures that tell a story, or show something inspiring like a scene of natural or man-made beauty.
When did your interest in photography start?
I’ve had a camera at various times throughout my life, but I became seriously interested in photography (rather than simply taking snapshots) around 2000 or 2001.
What was the first picture you took after you decided that you were a “photographer”?
I don’t think it really works that way.  At least it didn’t for me.  I became a photographer slowly over time, and I still don’t introduce myself as a one.  For a while I was “interested in photography.”  Then I was “into photography.”  Then for a while I told people that “photography is my hobby.”  Now I tell people that photography is my passion, but I still don’t introduce myself as a photographer.


What has been the best shot you have taken?
I have many favorites across several subject areas.  I can’t really pick a best shot.  The images in the portfolio section of my site are some of my current faves, but I’ll probably change my mind in a few months.
What has been the worst shot you have taken?
No idea.  Whatever it was I’ve long since deleted it and never looked back.  I shoot digital and delete on the spot if the image is a failure.  
How do you define your role in the creative process when working independently versus when part of a team?
When working as part of a team I see my role as that of a consultant.  I try to understand the client’s vision, and sometimes help them take that vision from abstract to concrete.  Then I try to use the knowledge, skills, and tools available to me to create images that match that vision.  
When I’m on my own it varies.  Sometimes I have a specific idea that I want to try.  Sometimes I just wander around with a camera and shoot whatever looks interesting.  Sometimes I wander around with a camera and don’t shoot anything at all.  Those are the hardest days.

Do you enjoy the collaborative process?  
I enjoy working with models.  When I’m able to develop a rapport with a model we tend to feed off each other and the ideas just keep coming.  It’s great fun to release the creative energy and see where it goes.
Where do you see photography as an art medium heading in the future?
The tools are getting better.  With modern DSLRs there are very few technical limitations left.  If you’ve an eye for composition and can learn how to see light, there are fewer barriers between you and that perfect image than ever before.  It’s a great time to pick up a camera, and more people seem to be getting into photography as a hobby.
Will you look to stay on the cutting edge of the photography medium or will you try and buck the trends?
I just bought an 18 year old lens, what does that tell you?  It’s all about the right tool for the job.  I do try stay current on the digital workflow side, because those tools are changing very quickly.  I used to spend hours in PhotoShop on editing tasks that I can now complete in just minutes in Lightroom.  So it really pays to stop of the latest trends in workflow.
Do you have any upcoming projects?  If not do you have any short term goals you are working towards?
I’m doing some portfolio shots for a lovely model from the UK in a few weeks.  In the spring I’d like to make it to Kyoto to shoot more of that amazing city.
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Check out more of his photos on his flickr page and his website❤ He also sells his prints here on RedBubble.  

31 weeks

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31 weeks:)
I love reading other pregnant ladies blog posts in the world wide web. First of all, I want to say congratulations to Hana, who gave birth to a beautiful baby boy last night!

I thought the last pregnancy post at Seabird was really neat, and decided to imitate her a little Q&A.


Total weight gain:
Last time I checked, which was a week and a half ago, I had gained 7 kg (16 lbs) in total.  I gained a lot around 6 months, since it coincided with Christmas and New Year. I ate way too much around that time, and my appetite didn’t seem to be satisfied no matter what I ate! It was crazy. I was really obsessed with food. Recently, I’ve noticed some change in my appetite, I think there is less room for food in my stomach because the baby is getting bigger. I used to check my weight every day, but stopped it, because I worry about it too much.I’ll check my weight at the next doctor’s check up.

Maternity clothes?
My friend gave me some maternity clothes (seen here), but I have not bought anything myself. I own many jersey dresses and comfortable pieces that I was able to continue wearing through out pregnancy.
I made two items with maternity in mind: this paper bag skirt and bandage dress. I have been wearing them a lot lately, since they are so comfy! My next creation will be this top, using Meg Neilson’s maternity wrap pattern. I already bought the fabric for it:)

Stretch marks?
I’ve gotten one straight line right in the center… I hope they will go away once I give birth?!

Sleep?
Depends on the night. Most nights I’m tired enough, and I sleep pretty well. Even if I get up for bathroom in the middle of the night, I go back to sleep right away. It had been a challenge to sleep on my side, until I got used to it, because I used to sleep on my back before getting pregnant. Now my belly is too big, that I can no longer sleep on my back.I think exercising is helping me sleep better at night.

Movement?
My little Sophia moves a lot! I can feel that she is practicing using her joint, kicking, and punching. I am not 100% sure, but I feel like I’m feeling her little feet against my belly. I feel her move a lot when I’m sitting down, working on computer, and sometimes she moves so much she overwhelms me! 🙂

Food cravings?
I guess I’m wanting more sweets and greasy stuff than I used to. But nothing too noticeable. I love any kind of food:) 

Belly Button in or out?
My belly button used to be in, but now it’s completely out! and flat! I wonder if it goes back to normal after giving birth.

Birth plan?
The birth will be planned, although the exact date has not been decided yet by the doctor. My husband will be in the delivery room with me. I will be in the hospital at 9am of the day of scheduled birth, and they will induce the baby.
If water breaks and the contraction starts before the date of my scheduled date, I will just have to go with the flow and give natural birth.

Breast or bottle?
Breast. I hope I can do this without problem! I made some reusable nursing pads, and bought Medela swing breast pump so my husband can help me feed the breast milk to the baby.

Something I can’t wait to do:
Wear heels! I’m sick of wearing flats, but don’t want to take a risk of falling wearing high-heels now.
I also want to take some vacation over seas, Maybe Thailand or Bali again with little Sophia. I want to go somewhere hot.

Heartburn?
Oh man, I’ve never experienced such a terrible heartburn before pregnancy. It just started last week, and I have had really intense one twice in the middle of night. Both nights, I had something greasy for dinner, one night, thick Ramen noodle and the other night, pasta. It was a really terrible feeling to be waken up in the middle of the night because of this.
I have to be careful about what I eat now, and how much I eat, because even if I feel fine while eating it, it comes back to me at 3am in the morning..

Wedding rings?
Still wearing them! Thankfully, I haven’t had any swelling problems at all.

Working out?
Yes! I love working out, and I’m glad I made a habit of working out before I got pregnant. It must be hard to start it after, since your body changes so much.
I go to gym 2-3 times a week, and do 30 minutes of elliptical and lift some weights. Once or twice a week, I do 40 minutes to an hour of the Pit workout. I like the Pit, since I can do it at home.
Rest of the time, I use Bass Rutten’s MMA workout CD. It’s a short 30 minutes work out, and also can be done at home. 
I stopped running outside, because I’m afraid of falling, and also people staring at me. Maybe I’m too self-conscious. Also it’s just too cold to run outside right now! 
I work out almost every day..sweating makes me feel better and I can sleep better at night:)