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Photographer Thomas Synnamon

Posted Friday 3rd July 2009by Editor

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Tell us about you?

I’m Thomas Synnamon and I’m from Philadelphia. I have had a few different careers; I was a model for a few years in my 20s then I did a few years of costume design. I moved to New York about 15 years ago wanting to be a part of the ‘Big Apple’ and the ‘Big Dream’ so waited tables and worked as a window dresser, art handler, and now I work at the Fashion Institute of Technology. My Passion, photography!

How did you get into photography?

I have always loved photography but was a little intimidated at first with learning the process. This was before digital. I got a cheap camera and just started to shoot and learnt as I went. I’m still learning new techniques every day, but it’s a fun process.

Are you a self-taught photographer or did you have a mentor that showed you the ropes?

I am self-taught, and still getting the hang of it all.

What sort of equipment and software do you use?

I shoot with my Nikon D80 and two mono-lights and all the stuff that goes with it like soft box and reflectors and back drops, and all my editing is done on Photoshop.

Who would be the person you would most love to shoot?

humm, I don’t know? It changes every day, so many supper stars out there; I want them all in front of my camera (laughs).

What is your opinion on post-processing, especially enhancing pictures?

I love it, I love the look, and that you can make an image look and feel so many different ways all out of the same shot. However, I do need to do simpler and cleaner images in my book, I don’t want to be known as a photographer who just has one look.

Black & White or Colour photography?

I like them both but most of my work is in color. I like to knock it down so it’s not too bright and vibrant.

Where is your favorite location to take pictures, in your studio or location? And how do you decide on locations and subjects?

I like to shoot in the studio because I like having control of the lighting, plus I can create the drama. On the other hand I love having different backgrounds in the shot, it sets the mode of a photo. As for the subject I am shooting it can be editorial stuff or sexy boy shots it depends on the job and what the client wants.

Where is the most spectacular place you’ve ever been?

Paris, I loved it! It was two years ago beautiful cold winter days in December, the holiday lights, I felt I was in a movie, the hole trip was so romantic.

What would you say to other enthusiastic photographers out there who aspire to what you’ve achieved?

Just go for it, you should love what you are doing and shooting. I’m still new and shooting what I love, I think people can feel that in my work, at least I hope so. Getting work is hard but the work comes in the more clients see the passion in your images. I think that’s when it all comes together.

Whom do you look up to in the photographic world?

Annie-Lou Leibovitz and I think it is because of the raw nature or the images. I think David Lachapelle is really amazing and daring, he shoots what he envisions which is really intriguing to me.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Interior design, I am a visual person so I think that’s what I would like to try.

What is the ONE lasting impression you want to leave in your photos?

Feeling, I want one shot to tell some sort of story or let the viewer’s imagination take over. I want them to think of what was going on or what happened in the image. I love looking at photo and how many stories can be created from each person viewing it. That’s what I want to try to leave in my work.

Your top 5 websites you think people should visit?

www.beautifulmag.eu/beautiful
gaylab.blogspot.com
xslim.deviantart.com
www.ohlalamag.com
And of course onenationmagazine.com

How do people see your work and get in touch?

They can contact me at tsynnamon@msn.com or via my website www.modelmayhem.com/245102

Images © and courtesy of Thomas Synnamon