Instagram Pix StoryTeller – Marco DeGennaro

1. How did you get your start in photography?
I have always been fascinated by photography. I always was drawn to the beautiful images you see in magazines and on the web. I wondered why the pics I took on my cell phone and point and shoot never came out looking anything like those images? I finally broke down and bought myself a Sony a7ii just over 2 years ago and committed to learning all about it. I dove in head first constantly shooting and trying to master it. I spent many hours watching youtube videos on shooting and editing. The more I learned the more I fell in love with it. I still spend a lot of time trying to learn new things and consistently challenging myself. It’s a constant learning experience, every time I shoot or spend time in front of the computer editing and end up figuring out something new it’s a great feeling.

2. How did you find your groove?
When I first started, I thought I wanted to do portrait photography, then while at a portrait workshop in Brooklyn Bridge Park I spent more time shooting the city and bridges then I did the models and realized it was cityscapes that I enjoyed shooting most. What I have come to find is that I love to shoot this amazing city from the sky. I took my first helicopter photo flight in December of 2015 and it was love at first flight. I try to fly as much as I can and every time I fly it feels like the first time again and again.

3. What’s in your camera bag?
In my camera bag, I always have my Sony a7rii along with FE 16-35mm F4.0 , FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM and FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM lenses and my trusty Sony RX100V. I also carry a variety of Lee filters (6 stop, 10 stop, .3 soft grad, .6 soft grad and .9 soft grad), extra batteries and extra sd cards.

4. Any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for anyone getting started is just to  have fun with it. If it becomes tedious then you will lose interest and not progress. Just keep at it, ask questions to anyone who will listen and even those that won’t, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Try out different types of photography because you never know what you would end up liking until you try it or you may not like what you thought you originally would. Another good piece of advice is to connect with other photographers through social media. Social media is a powerful tool, you can get your work out there, you get to network with other photographers, or just get inspired by other photographers work. Lastly, a common misconception is that if I have the most expensive and best camera my pictures will be perfect. Don’t be so focused on that as much as learning how to use the gear that you have, have you seen the images being pushed out by cell phone cameras? One of the greatest photographers I know kills it with an entry level DSLR so remember the gear doesn’t make the photographer, the photographer makes the gear. Again, I can’t stress enough to keep it fun and exciting so it keeps you motivated and driven to do better.
Thank you Marco!  Make sure to follow us on Instagram for his takeover. Click HERE.  Also, make sure to double tap those posts – then you can be entered to win an 8×12 metal print from Printique! The winner is announced on Friday.