Paul Brian Kiser: Pearls and Baby's Breath

CALEB SCHAFTLEIN,

Could you please provide us with a professional introduction about yourself and your photography work?

Full name. Hello, my name is Paul Brian Kiser. I run a customer centric studio in Glendale, Ohio focusing on beauty and editorial. I've always been drawn to the fashion and beauty genre. 90's runways, the super models and fashion made a lasting impression. I've also witnessed the amazing transformation and confidence that photography can bring a client. We are documentarians to milestones in life.

Can you tell us about how you got started in photography?

I've dabbled in photography since I was 13....first with film and later in digital. I had some challenges in my corporate job...so I turned to a creative outlet that I'd been dabbling in. Nothing is complete control, really. But your ideas and vision are key to success as well as the ability to accept or turn away projects. I was becoming more autonomous.

What was your passion driving you during your journey?

Who or what prompted you to begin? I started out photographing everything. As a trained chef, I started with food...still love photographing food, but my passion has always been story telling with aspirational editorial.

Could you walk us through your photoshoot planning process?

It takes a village these days...lol. Depending on wardrobe, a mood board is where I start. Sharing the inspiration photos helps keep Makeup Artists, Stylists and Hair all on the same page. My thought is to always use the best team you can afford....especially when money is involved. Risks with talent are taken for personal projects.

As a photography expert, what sets your work apart from other photographers?

I try and understand the client's vision for the desired outcome but always throw in a wild card.

Where do you get your ideas for photoshoots? Typically the past as we've had incredible artists set the stage. I try and take what has been done, but make it my own.

Can you tell us about the most memorable moment you've had as a photographer and what experience you gained from that?

Know your worth and when to walk away. I had a client that was taking advantage of me based off of our previous working relationship. We are not in the business of doing more and getting paid less.

What are the most important components of an extraordinary photograph, in your opinion?

The model, the styling and the feel. To me the goal is to choose a model that folks want to be or that they want to be with.

How do you strike a balance between your artistic expression and your client's expectations during a shoot?

I think you always try and please the client. I try and infuse my style in a least one or two options.

How do other artists influence your work?

Are there any other photographers you look up to? Who? Bruce Weber, Helmut Newton, Annie Leibovitz, Lindsay Adler.

How do you enhance your vision after a session by post-processing your photos?

Do you have a best-kept secret for editing processing that you'd like to share? Evoto has been a game changer.

Can you tell us about the most difficult photographic challenge you've ever had, including lighting, unexpected situations, and how you managed the issues on set?

In the beginning of my career, I was a wedding photographer. I was told that the wedding would be outside, so my gear was outside focused. To my surprise, the wedding was in a very dark chapel. Luckily, I kept my cool and used the camera's ISO to achieve the look we were going for.

What are your top tips for aspiring photographers on skill development and finding their own creative voice? How did you develop yours?

Photography today is absolutely tied with retouching. You probably want to stay on top of how retouching works whether you are outsourcing or not. Technical photography only gets you so far.

What is your favorite piece of work you've ever shot?

I think you have a few of them with this submission.

Can you tell me about an upcoming project you're working on and the idea behind it?

A Charleston, SC beach shoot. Dramatic lighting, incredible natural atmosphere.