Experiencing and Spreading the Experience: An Insightful Conversation with Cinematographer Roger Fishman
Award-winning artist Roger Fishman has forged a successful career in wildlife photography and videography, showcasing nature in a unique and impactful light.
Born out of an intrigue for capturing life's moments, Fishman began his artistic journey with an early fascination for photography. This curiosity bloomed under his parents' indirect tutelage about the emotional aspect of a subject besides its physical appearance, which he carried with him throughout his career.
After working in corporate marketing and running his own production consulting company, Fishman made a bold shift towards creative pursuits in the late years of his career. His passion for wildlife took flight, leading him to create an impressive portfolio featuring diverse species from around the world.
His work stands out for its inspiring vision, offering fresh perspectives that evoke awe. The drones in his arsenal play a crucial role, providing surprising and breathtaking aerial shots that amplify the emotional resonance of his art. To witness his work for yourself, visit his website or follow him on Instagram.
We spoke with Fishman to learn how he embarked on this remarkable journey of capturing wildlife through the lens, his introduction to drone photography, and his advice for aspiring photographers and videographers.
Fishman's interest in wildlife ignited during a trip to Botswana, which he described as a transformative experience that left him captivated by our planet's beauty and vitality. Encouraged by this newfound passion, he began creating projects dedicated to exploring the natural world.
His inspiration stems from the desire to share moments and feelings, contributing to a biography of our planet that transcends his own lifespan. By fostering connections and collaborations, he seeks to inspire others and extend his impact beyond temporal limits.
Fishman began experimenting with drones several years ago, sparked by a relatively inexpensive model from Brookstone. Despite initially making more trips to the repair shop than to the skies, he was determined to master the art of aerial photography. Having logged over 500 flights, he now dominates the skies with the Mavic 2 Pro.
Despite the frigid temperatures of his latest expeditions to Greenland, Iceland, and Antarctica, he found his drones to be well-equipped for the cold weather. The main challenges he encountered were taking off and landing on a boat and flying without gloves in freezing conditions.
Before embarking on an expedition, Fishman meticulously plans his visual approach, combining a rough shot list with innovative storytelling techniques. He strives to embrace the unknown, treasuring the unexpected surprises that Mother Nature presents during his wanderings.
Having amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience, Fishman offers some valuable advice for aspiring photographers and videographers. First, he urges them to create work that stirs their soul while remaining dedicated to self-improvement. Second, he encourages them to forge connections with potential buyers and collaborators, fostering relationships that extend beyond individual projects.
Third, Fishman suggests considering the monetization of one's work before beginning a project, ensuring that the intended audience will find value in the output. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of retaining one's uniqueness while showcasing authenticity and genuine passion.
Stay tuned for more of Fishman's incredible work, as he heads to Namibia this week with his drones in tow. For a closer look at his inspiring portfolio, visit his website or follow him on Instagram.
[Enrichment Data:Roger Fishman funds his own wildlife projects and sells the work produced from them to cover expenses and make an income. Creating a unique and memorable experience is important to him, as is ensuring his work will find an audience and market.]
- Roger Fishman employs drone technology for capturing breathtaking aerial shots, contributing to his unique style of wildlife videography and photography.
- In his home-and-garden and travel shots, Fishman uses drones to achieve a bird's-eye perspective, adding a new dimension to his photography business.
- Fishman's drone photography skills came about through experimentation with a relatively affordable model from Brookstone and self-motivated practice, amounting to over 500 drone flights.
- To create a market for his work, Fishman funds his wildlife projects and sells the resulting photographs and videos to cover expenses and generate income.
- As he embarks on his next expedition to Namibia, Fishman will undoubtedly capture mesmerizing drone footage, further documenting the planet's beauty and sharing his passion for the natural world.
