Member Profile: Eric Goranson

About me:

Do you consider yourself a Professional/Semi-Pro/Amateur/Beginner photographer?

I consider myself somewhere between a beginner and amateur/enthusiast. I’ve had a solid start, all thanks to TSOP, but have so much more to learn.

Who are you?

My name is Eric. I am 49 years old and reside in Portland, Oregon, situated in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I am a pathologist with specialty training in leukemia and lymphoma diagnostics. I recently have stepped away from microscope work and now serve as Service Chief and Laboratory Director for multiple regional hospitals. As you can imagine by my occupation, I am a visual person, which has served me in my career. With my recent transition, I am excited to utilize my visual skills in a less analytical and more creative way through photography.

Tell us about your photography journey.

My interest in photography began over three decades ago with a photography course in high school where I learned the basics of exposure on my fully manual Nikon FM2, including B&W film development and making my own prints in the darkroom. As I progressed in my education and focused more on my medical training/career, I set the camera aside and did not return to it until very recently. I am quickly approach the mid-century mark and have come to realize the importance of having a creative outlet. It is for this reason that my interest in photography was rekindled. My wife, who is an artist herself, kindly searched the internet, found TSOP and encouraged me to check it out. I signed up, started with the beginners course and haven’t looked back. TSOP has been such a wonderful place to learn photography and interact with other learners and pros. In terms of courses, I first completed the beginners course, followed by the Lightroom course and currently am working on the Photoshop course.

What is your preferred genre?

My go-to genre is definitely macro photography, particularly of insects, spiders and flowers. Perhaps it is partly due to years looking at cells and tissue through the microscope, but I have a strong desire and curiosity to explore the finer, smaller details, hidden to the human eye, and macro satisfies that itch. I also really enjoy bird photography, particularly of the hummingbirds in my backyard garden who offer endless entertainment. In terms of my style, I would say I really like vibrant color, interesting backgrounds, patterns, and aim to tell a story, invoke an emotion, connection and share the unseen beauty of the natural world in its undisturbed state. I also enjoy gardening and learned quickly that photography and flower gardens go hand in hand. My flower garden has turned into my palette, providing a seemingly endless variety of photography subjects.

What inspires you to create photography?

Looking at other people’s photos and art in general is very inspiring, regardless of genre. Seeing someone else’s creative approach and learning how I can adapt it to my style is a fun challenge. I also am inspired by the unknown. When I head outside to photograph insects or birds, I often don’t have a specific plan, as I never know what I might find on any given day. The flora and fauna can change day to day, depending on weather, season, etc. The excitement of going out and discovering something I haven’t seen before drives me. I love being out in the elements and adapting my approach to the conditions nature provides. Because I’ve spent much of my life meeting the demands and timelines of my career, I think the freedom and spontaneity of this approach to photography is quite refreshing and good for the soul.

Who are some other photographers you’re inspired by?

While I follow a number of people on various social media platforms, I am most inspired by my fellow TSOP members. They are such a fun, friendly, creative, diverse and welcoming group and provide a space where one can feel safe to share their art and ideas.

Describe the first photo you took during your learning journey.

The first photo I submitted upon joining TSOP was a shot of the misty full moon entangled within the bare winter branches of a tulip tree. This was taken handheld before I understood proper exposure settings to capture lunar detail, or knew how to do much post-processing, so the moon resulted as a bright, blown out orb. I have since learned how to properly photograph the moon and am looking forward to repeating and improving on this shot next winter. After completing multiple courses and getting out to practice (a lot), I have gained much more confidence in knowing how to use manual settings and various techniques to achieve the desired outcome. I have learned to adapt to my environment and take the shots that make sense with given conditions. I have learned how crucial getting composition right in-camera is. I have developed familiarity in terms of the capabilities and limitations of my camera. Lastly, I now only shoot in RAW format as I want to develop my photos the way I see fit, and RAW format provides the most latitude to do that.

What is your favourite photograph that you’ve taken?

My favorite photograph is probably a close-up of a female bold jumping spider. We have many jumping spider species in my part of the world and luckily they just happen to be one of my favorite subjects. Just this year I have identified nine different species in my backyard garden alone. This particular spider in the photo lived and hunted around the same plant in my garden where I would encounter her often. She never seemed to mind me and sometimes would even come closer to investigate and “pose” for the camera. What I like in particular about this shot is the sense of connection it implies - the way she is quizzically looking up at me as I am curiously looking down at her. The two of us, although quite different in so many ways, sharing the same space and making a connection with gentle curiosity.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from TSOP?

I have learned many valuable lessons from TSOP. I think one of the most important is to share your art. It’s such an important step to put yourself out there for others to see. The act of making the commitment to share you work and going through the motions helps us see our creations through a different lens.

What’s next for Eric?

Once I finish the photoshop course, I plan to take the macro course and the flower and plant photography course. After that, who knows, wildlife course or astrophotography perhaps? I will go wherever my interest leads me.

Conclusion

Photography is something I ultimately chose to pursue for my well-being. It is my creative outlet, helps me see the world differently, share that vision with others, and satisfies my desire for spontaneity, exploration, experimentation and adventure. It provides a much needed means to disconnect from work and other stresses, refocusing my energy on something entirely different. As long as it continues to bring me joy and stimulate creativity, no matter what skill level I attain, I plan to keep at it.

Where can people follow you?

I can be found with the birds and bugs in my backyard garden. My photos can, once I get around to it, be found on Instagram @ericgoransonphotography.