By Bennie Shapiro

31 July 2007

1.What kind of designer are you?

Lighting designer

2. What did you want to do for a living when you were a kid? Race car driver, tow truck driver.

3. What is it about your design work that makes your photography better? Some would say lighting is most important in photography, in the lighting world, its timing, so it shifts my perspective on what is important, which ultimately gives me unique shots

And vice versa? Ive learned more about texture from my photography. Being a lighting artist also helps me separate lighting from photography as most will tell you lighting is part of photography, I see it as its own subject first.

Where do you see parallels between the two?

Lighting and photography are both forms of lenscraft, both have aperture and focal points.

4. What do you find most challenging about your work? Going by the book to make everyone happy, and breaking enough rules to make my artistic abilities stand out.

Lighting Is one of the most misunderstood subjects known to man, what makes a good light show? Ask 10 people, you will get 10 different answers, My job is to make those 10 people happy, and myself on top of that.

5. Do you have design heroes? Mark Brickman, lighting designer for Pink Floyd and Blueman Group, to name a few.

6. Name some unexpected sources of inspiration you've had. My friend Katie, amature model.

7. Do you have any regular habits/exercises that make you a better designer? Photographer?

Besides the two, I practice yoga which helps me clear my mind, I always try new forms of art, whether I'm good at it or not. I also support the arts by listening to music, going to galleries, listening to a poet, etc. The more the better. I believe to keep the creative juice flowing, you must surround yourself with art at all times.

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