Here is the third installment of our photographer profiles! These talented individuals have been hired through Langara’s Photo-Imaging Program to shoot the images for this year’s Pacific Rim Magazine, available May 8 in the Globe & Mail.
Eric Hay was hired by PRM for his expertise in product photography. We caught up with Eric for a quick interview after one of the shoots.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born here in the lower mainland and I’ve lived all of my life in Ladner, BC. I went to elementary and high school there. I’ve travelled around a bit though: my mother is from Trinidad so I’ve been there quite a few times. All of my family is over there—my mom is the only one here.
What is your earliest memory of being interested in photography?
My earliest memory is probably from grade 10—my aunt had a film camera and I thought it was really cool. My dad bought me a similar one for my birthday and I took that camera everywhere with me. I took it to Australia and Trinidad. Then I started getting into the graphics program at my high school (Delta Secondary). We had a really, really good program and an excellent teacher who really helped me out.
What is your favourite subject to photograph and why?
I really enjoy shooting products because there’s so much you can do with lighting and when you combine that with things like Photoshop, there’s some amazing things that you can do with a subject that’s sitting still.
Whose work do you admire?
I admire Yousef Karsh’s work the most. His portraits and his ability to light a subject are just astounding. That and his ability to capture the exact moment is beyond me—I have no idea how he does it.
What are your plans after you finish the program?
Most likely work for a year—make a little money for myself, maybe do some odd photo gigs here and there. The end goal would be to go into advertising, and later in my life, probably teaching.
How would you describe your photography style?
I like to keep things as clean as I possibly can. My style is very straightforward, very conservative. I don’t like to experiment with things like soft focus or super shallow depths of field.
For more of Eric Hay’s work, check out his website, www.erichay.com
