Feaverish Photography Blog

Jody Rogac was the first photographer I featured on this site. That was way back in April, when the site was brand new and I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do with it. Looking through the photographers I’ve featured since, though, I realize that those two unassuming self-portraits set the look that’s dominated the site ever since: quiet, intimate, personal photographs, and mostly portraits.

Jody was kind enough to sit down with me (over email) to talk about her process, her subjects, and those amazing red glasses.

Aaron: What motivates you, photographically? Your photos are mostly of people, so I’m assuming you have a big interest in them, but what specifically makes you want or need to take pictures?

Jody: I definitely think that people are the most interesting subjects. Everyone’s so different and unique in their own way — I really enjoy exploring that with a camera. I think what motivates me photographically is just day to day life — walking around with an open mind and being an observer is so fascinating. And then I think photography just develops as an extension of that — capturing moments and tidbits of life.

Aaron: A lot of your photos, especially the musician photos, have a…I don’t know…a detached look to them. In some cases it looks like the subject wasn’t even aware that the photo was being taken. Can you explain that?

Jody: I’ve been told this before — that my subjects look unselfconscious — and I find it a little hard to explain. I’m not really too sure where that comes from. I think I just like to have fun when I’m shooting, and therefore people feel comfortable. When your subject can relax and not be stressing that someone is pointing a camera in their face it makes those unselfconscious photos a lot easier to capture.

Aaron: Is that detached technique or process something you feel is more suited to celebrity photography? I ask because your photos of friends seem very straightforward, and I was wondering if, when you’re photographing celebrities, you’re more worried about getting something false or posed from them? Something you don’t worry about with friends.

Jody: Of course it’s always SO much easier to photograph your friends! You’re already buddies and there is no pressure. While I haven’t shot a ton of celebrities it’s definitely challenging because there are time constraints, and you have to figure out how to bond with them in a matter of 5 minutes. When I’ve had to photograph a celebrity I’ve always just tried to treat them as if they were a friend of mine and not worry too much — everyone’s always been really cool and receptive to the approach!

Aaron: Your site mentions your unobtrusive and unassuming approach, which definitely comes across in your photos. Can you elaborate on that? Can you explain how you go about capturing that?

Jody: I try really hard not to impose too much onto my subjects. I love to let them do what comes naturally with just a small amount of direction from myself. Then it becomes more about working together towards getting a great shot, and it’s more of a collaboration. I like shooting people as they are — the less makeup and bells & whistles the better. LIke I mentioned above, it’s about making people feel comfortable enough around you that they can come out of their shell and let a beautiful little piece of themselves shine onto the film. It’s magical!

Aaron: You have a good mix of studio and location shoots. Do you feel more comfortable doing one or the other?

Jody: I definitely feel more comfortable on location. While I love doing sittings in my studio I prefer to be out in the elements or in someone’s home. I love the spontaneity of shooting on location — you can’t plan ahead as much which is a little scary but it loosens things up and sometimes you wind up with a shot you could never have imagined.

Aaron: Do you prefer shooting models or friends? It’s honestly hard, looking at your photos, to differentiate between them. Is that because you just happen to have such good looking friends? Or because you’re good at finding the beauty in anybody? Do you treat them all the same?

Jody: Haha! I think the answer is a bit of both. I definitely do have very cute friends, but also love finding the beauty in everyone I photograph. When I shoot a model I treat them as if they were my friend — I like to treat everyone with equal respect and fascination. I approach fashion photography as portraiture which is what I think may blur the lines a little. I’m not as interested in the clothes as I am in the person who is wearing them and that’s what I try to focus on. This being said, when it comes to friends vs. models I have no preference, everyone is fantastic to me.

Aaron: What’s with the red glasses?

Jody: The red glasses are my just my glasses — I need them to focus my camera. But they seriously look good on everyone, and so I always try to take at least one photograph of my subjects wearing them. It’s more of a little something I do for my own fun and entertainment. Not to mention everyone asks to try them on in the first place!

Aaron: You live in Vancouver, B.C., and its climate is almost a secondary character in a lot of your photos. How does the weather there affect your photography? Do you ever wish you lived in a different environment? Or are you inspired by the weather there?

Jody: I’m actually now living and working in NY, but I started my career in Vancouver and it definitely helped shape the feel and look of my pictures. The weather in Vancouver is hard because it’s always changing — the weather can rule the shoot at times, and it’s definitely challenged my problem solving skills. I often wished I lived in California and had that consistently gorgeous golden hour every day. I’d say I’m more inspired by Vancouver’s landscape then the weather — it’s absolutely epic!

You can see much more of Jody’s work at her website and her excellent blog.