Photographer Profile: John Raptis
Based in Melbourne, Australia – I found John via flickr. Browsing his feed is kind of like a trip through my head: metal, bikes, zombies, ‘fringe’ art like tattoos and graffiti. I love his eye for composing a shot, and asked if he would like to be a part of of our photographer series.
What first attracted you to photography?
I have always been a creative person. I was a keen illustrator as a kid and that led to computer graphics and web design, which became my career for over a decade. Through graphic and web design, I was always manipulating other people’s images and photos so I wanted to explore the option of me being in a position to take those photos. Working professionally as a designer for so long, taught me composition and layout which are two ideals that fit nicely within the photography sphere. So in all honesty, I think I evolved into a photography and it is a creative discipline that brings me the most joy each and every day.
When was the first time you felt like a professional photographer?
About a year into photographing live music acts, I found myself with a photo pass to shoot Metallica in a 20,000 seat arena. The entire experience of waiting backstage with a slew of other photographers and trading war-stories and the like, made me feel like, “Hey, I’m kinda moving up in the food chain now…” A lot of the photographers I was now shooting side-by-side with, were photographers who I deeply admired and aspired to be like one day. Yeah, I can safely say that night in 2010, I felt like a pro!
Favorite style or subject to shoot?
I’m equally divided to shooting both live music and the urban street environment. I love them both. With live music photography, I try and capture a ‘feel’ of the moment. I’m not after pristine, clear, sharp images but more the emotion and sound of the performance. I mean, if you capture the guitarist with gritted teeth, hair flying in the wind and his hand grasping his guitar with strength and purpose, you can pretty much tell what sort of sound he is generating!
And on the other side of the coin, I absolutely love walking the streets of a busy city and trying to humanise the elements and environment around me where the people in the photo blend in with the street and the urban scenery as one co-existing with the other.
Favorite piece of equipment?
Can’t go past my Canon 5D MKII at the moment. Hopefully I’ll be in a position to get the MKIII in the not too distant future, but the MKII will still be part of my arsenal for a while to come.
What is your dream photography gig?
I would love to have had the opportunity to photograph a band like KISS back in the 70’s. I have a few photographer friends today that have had the opportunity to do just that, and I think it would have been sensational to photograph such a visual and visceral band such as KISS back in their heyday. Heck, I’d love to shoot them now if ever given the opportunity. I came very, very close to doing just that earlier in the year, but I just missed out on a photo pass to that one.
Any advice for others who are interested in photography?
Try and develop your own style. Don’t copy others. Look for a different angle – a different take. Ask yourself, ‘what is different about my work compared to so and so’?
Best piece of advice you got starting out?
Keep going!
What services do you offer?
Well if your magazine or publication wants extensive coverage of an event, I will always to my best to offer you an entire experience both off and on the stage. I am looking at offering promo photography services, but only when I feel completely comfortable that I can deliver the goods. I’ll know when I’m ready.
How can someone contact you?
I can be contacted vie email at info@johnraptisphotography.com
http://www.visceralindustry.com
http://www.johnraptisphotography.com
https://www.facebook.com/john.raptis
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dogmatic/
850 Music & Entertainment 
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