Eddie Tapp - Calibrite - United States

What inspired you to become a photographer/videographer?

At 16 years old with a burning desire to become a photographer, yet I didn’t have a camera. Played in a band and after every weekend gig I would take my earnings ($10 a week) to an Army Store to buy the camera from the glass cage. It took 5 weeks to buy that camera. 🙂

My parents gave me a Smith Victor darkroom for Christmas, and I took a workbook course with the New York Photographic Society through the mail. Studied fashion photography in college (Massey Jr. College in Atlanta ’69-’71).

What is your photography style?

Shoot, refine, shoot, refine, experimental, refine, shoot… the style is constantly dependent on the mission, lighting, and lens, yet I don’t know how to describe my style except perhaps diversified…

How did you get to where you are now?

Currently, I’m more selective with my clients and assignments. I have a personal consultation and educational sessions with select clientele. The first studio 913 sq ft, the second studio is 3500 sq ft, and the third studio is 10,000 sq ft. current studio is my garage and the world. Over the years, I’ve had tremendous support from my peers, manufacturers, and clients and have excelled through recommendations more so than promotions.

Why is color management important to your workflow?

Color management in the 90s was especially difficult, if not near impossible, without the right equipment. And even then, you truly had to have knowledge of how it works and how to get it to work for your (varied) workflow. ICC profiles and monitor calibration was the new kid on the block for the nerd in us. Getting predictable results was the game, and today, that has not changed, except it is so much easier b/c the camera manufactures came on board (thanks to UPDIG) and the labs caught up with the (expensive) digital advances. Oh yes, getting predictable results is the most important in my workflow.

What are your favorite brands you have worked with?

X-rite, Colorvision.

What would you say is your greatest achievement to this day?

Being inducted into the Photoshop Hall of Fame (circa 2006), 18 years as an Explorer of Light with Canon USA (2002-2020).

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

Played in a band for the grand opening of Disney World (1971).

What is a top tip for people who aspire to do what you do?

Discover the desire, and you will find the way…

EQUIPMENT TOOLKIT:

ColorMunki, i1Display, i1Pro, i1i0, i1 isis2

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Brand Ambassador Eddie Tapp