Photographer Spotlight | Phil Gordon

The month of May’s Photographer spotlight is on Phil Gordon. I Hate Phil. If you don’t hate Phil now, you will by the end of this interview.  In all seriousness, Phil is one of the top automotive photographers out. Lets get to know him a little better and see if you also “I Hate Phil” Check out some of Phil’s work he personally chose as his favorite pictures below the interview.

ST: Introduce yourself. Let people get to know the man/woman behind the lens

PG: My name is Phil Gordon from iHatePhil – I’ve been a photographer for 26 years. Before photoshop and before digital cameras. I became a photographer in high school because I got frustrated that a photographer wouldn’t put my vehicle in a magazine so I vowed to become a photographer to be able to do that for others

ST: When did you get into photography?

PG: My first photography course was in 1995 at a technical college. I left there and attended The University of Florida and later The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale – I have two degrees in the photography field

ST: Do you have any covers and if so, how many?

I have a wall of covers I named the “Wall of Fame” – I had a stretch of 15 straight covers for one magazine. Total I have 59 total magazine covers that I’ve shot

ST: Who are some of your influences?

PG: My influences are Joe Greeves who motivated me to become a photographer in 1995 – Influences also is my mother whom has made me work for everything I have today and taught me patience and dedication to my craft

ST: When you go do a shoot, what’s in the camera bag?

PG: I began with a Nikon F3 film camera and gradually worked my way up to a Nikon D4x – My go-to lens that usually is the main image featured is a Nikon 80-200mm @ 2.8

I also have a Nikon 28-300mm @3.8 that is my everyday use and works flawlessly – I use a 10mm @ 2.8 for fun

ST: Describe your lighting when and if you decide to use it.

PG: I use a Nikon SB910 for my flash – I have A Calumet kit I use for large products that include three heads with umbrellas and a power box – Tied together with White Lightning sync

ST: Describe somethings when you are at a show that makes a truck standout to you.

PG: The first thing that stands out to me is “The IT factor” it starts with attention. If a truck can maintain attention based on paint, interior and wheels then it’s something that will be desirable. I’m a sucker for loud colors – We call them California colors – Powder Blue, Bright Orange – Peach – Yellow – Bright Purple – Another thing that truly stands out is pride – The owner of the truck being proud of what was built and excited about the attention

ST: Do you have a favorite shoot you have done? Describe it.

PG: I have many favorite shoots but they are less about the actual vehicle and more about the owners and family. I remember one that stands out. I was traveling for 15 straight days and was missing my puppies back home and the owner brought his dog to the shoot and I spent just as much time shooting as I did playing with the dog. I gave me that feeling of being home

ST: What are your thoughts on the current and future state of the industry?

PG: I hate to see print magazines turning to web-only but I understand the expense that corporations don’t want to take on. It seems everyday there is a new photographer or new videographer or new blogger and How great is that? The more the better. I love this industry and love that more people are getting involved.

ST: What advice would you give to new photographers?

PG: I have guided first time photographers to worry less about post photography. Don’t say things like “I’ll fix it in photoshop” if something is in the way, move it. If something is behind the vehicle, shoot from a different angle. – Always verify your lens is clean before taking a shot.

ST: Last minute thoughts you would like to give to the street trucks community.

PG: One of the most important things I can tell people is.. Build or have built a vehicle based on your likes and desires. Never build or have built a vehicle for points on a judge sheet or “because I know people will like it” You’re the one that’s going to be driving it and showing it, let it make you happy not others.