Paul Kraay is a long standing member with the Light & Lens Photography Club through the Centralia Cultural Society. Today we are learning a bit more about Paul’s background, his interest in photography and where he finds inspiration for his work.

First of all thank you for taking time and sharing your story. Can you briefly tell us about yourself?

Paul: I retired 12 years ago after 25 years the automobile industry. Prior to that I was a police officer for approx. 10 years. Like so many who have retired I wonder how I ever had time to work. My time is split between maintaining a couple of acres and attending a variety of events for the Grandchildren. My true passion lies in photography and Motorcycles. Fortunately I can combine both interests. I ride an average of 10,000 miles a year and the camera is always in the saddlebags.

I have had a life long interest in photography. In the mid 80’s I purchased a 35MM with a 50MM lens and 100/300 zoom and started taking pictures of anything and everything. Like so many who start out in photography I listened to all the people who knew nothing about photography or art, telling me how good I was. As a result I wasted decades being a so-so photographer. Trying to learn in the film days with no help was a very slow process. By the time I received the pictures back from the developers I had no idea why they were not what I anticipated or what I needed to correct. Trying to learn from various photography magazines was not very rewarding, and trial and error wasn’t working for me.

Skipping ahead to a an explosion of technology from digital cameras to cell phones brought a renewed interest in photography and a variety of opportunities to learn the craft. Now instead of waiting 2 weeks to get prints back I could see the results instantly and make immediate adjustments. Instead of paying for development I could now shoot endlessly for free. I still couldn’t achieve the results I wanted so I started looking for other options. I soon found some college classes that I could get into that finally answered so many questions and gave me a solid base of knowledge to build from. More importantly it introduced me to others with the same interests opening up a whole new world. I learned about local competitions which  introduced me to even more photographers and things just snowballed from there. I believe it was Picasso who said “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”

You are an active member of the Light & Lens photography club with the Centralia Cultural Society.
How did you discover Light & Lens and how has that impacted your photography work?

Paul: I learned about the Light and Lens Club when I was invited to participate in a photography competition at Cedarhurst Museum for the Arts. I met several members of the club who were also participating in the competition. After joining the club it gave me even more exposure to people with the same interests, as well as more opportunities to participate in competitions. It also opened up other opportunities to join people with like interests on photo adventures.

Can you share what your camera setup is today? And if you don’t mind any tools you use for editing.

Paul:  I currently use two different canon cameras, I use a Canon 6 d with a 24/105 L series lens on my bike excursions. I also shoot with a Canon R6MKII mirrorless also with a 24/105 L series as my go to lens and Sigma 150/600 for wildlife. I have multiple Godox off camera flashes with a remote trigger and several soft boxes for some of the still life shots and for portrait work that I am just wading into. I use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for editing.

Do you have a particular time of day or season you prefer taking photographs?

Paul: I enjoy shooting in any season. Each change in mother nature offers another opportunity to create a unique image from the incredible colors of fall to the long shadows of winter. If I’m shooting outside I will shoot during the golden hour just before sunset whenever possible.

Has there been a favorite experience for you as photographer?

Paul: As far as my favorite experience its probably less dramatic than  you might imagine. I can only speak for myself but no matter how many blue ribbons or best of shows I won I still didn’t feel as if I had the right to call myself a photographer. I reached a point in my hobby where I found myself being invited to shows and competitions but still felt strange when people referred to me as an artist or a photographer. I started getting invited to speak to photography classes and getting offers to purchase my work but still felt like some one who was more lucky than good.

With Illinois having it’s share of inclement weather I decided to start playing with still life when it wasn’t fit to shoot outside. The only problem was I didn’t know anything about it. Fortunately I have never let that stand in my way. I soon learned that I couldn’t rely on natural light like I had always done. Now I had to admit defeat (not in my nature) or learn about flash systems and diffused light etc. Fortunately it was very inexpensive to purchase a basic lighting system. Controlled lighting opened up a whole new avenue in photography. Suddenly I could take an idea and bring it to fruition. The day I created the Skittles shot and it came out exactly as I had envisioned it was when I felt like I could call myself a photographer. The act of being able to create a shot versus just capturing something that already existed was thrilling to me. That’s not to say I consider myself a professional just an accomplished amateur.

Your photography work shows a range from nature and landscapes to buildings. Can you talk a little bit about how you choose them and in what ways does your environment or surroundings impact that?

Paul: My choice in subjects is a combination of luck and planning. Wildlife is frequently pure luck. If I am in an area where I anticipate even the slightest opportunity I make sure that I have my camera settings are in a range appropriate for what I expect to see and capable of freezing motion. Landscapes and buildings are usually a result of a planned trip on the bike but when ever I travel out of my local area I always do a quick online search of points of interest and deserted buildings. I rarely go anywhere with out one of my cameras so I can take advantage of any unexpected opportunities. It helps that my wife is willing to put up with my particular brand of madness. It’s not unusual to spot something out of the corner of my eye and make an sudden unexpected detour to explore a back road delaying arrival to our original destination. I always have a general idea of some shots I would like to take given the opportunity, sort of a photographers bucket list.

Recently we were in Charleston and ducked into a local café when an unexpected heavy rain set in while we were several blocks from our vehicle. The lighting in the dark café was casting the perfect shadows for a B&W candid shot that I had been looking for. I keep a list of photo ideas for creative still life shots that I can work on when weather of other factors limit my photo opportunities. Somedays a simple set up is sufficient and other shots may require days of trial and error till I’m satisfied with the results. Other times I have to go back to the drawing table and start again another day.

How and why should someone join Light & Lens?

Paul: Joining a group like light and lens for someone generally interested in photography has a variety of benefits. It doesn’t make any difference if someone is a semi pro or just beginning to pursue the art. The club provides a casual setting for members to learn and practice photography with no one judging their efforts. There are a variety of field trips each year creating opportunities that one might not ordinarily know about. There are contests for members from a monthly on line and a monthly in person contest to an annual photography contest. Entering a competion for the first time can be rather intimidating, after all your laying your work out to the open for criticism from all. Being able to do it in a group of people you have come to know and understand that you will receive nothing but support makes that process a lot easier. The past few years we have seen people withdraw from society. People have become used to staying at home and relying on you tube and google to learn new things. While these can be very helpful tools somedays I just want to ask some one in person who has the knowledge to show me the best way to accomplish my goal.

A club setting where everyone can participate at there own comfort zone is a great way to learn. Its an opportunity to associate with others who have the same interest. I find that I learn more after the meeting picking the brains of other photographers and I can’t do that at home. Its also an opportunity to share with others who may need that little bit of knowledge that a new member can provide.

What’s the best way for people to see your work?

Paul: The best way for someone to view any of my work is to follow me on Facebook. I also have work hanging at a variety of shows throughout the year. Whenever I participate in a show or am asked to display my work I list it on FB with the place and dates.