Interviews of the Judges I - Mr. John Dean

 2011 PSAChina International Exhibition of Photography--Interview for Mr. John Dean, the Judge in Photo Travel Section.

John Dean

PSA China：You play several roles In PSA. Can you give some advice for young workers on how to do the job well?

John Dean: Be conscientious; attend scheduled meetings; submit reports on time when required; if not able to attend a meeting, submit a written report before the meeting. Be DEDICATED. 

PSA China：Traveling is always connected with photography. However, we often find that the images we are taken during the travel are very common. Can you analyze why it will happen?

John Dean: If one is serious about taking (good) pictures while traveling, it is best to take advantage of the “best time of day” for picture taking…that is, sunrise to around 10:30 a.m. --  then from around 4 p.m. to dusk. This is the best lighting for competitive picture taking as well. We realize however, that at times we are at a location that is beautiful, but the light is not at its best. TAKE IT ANYWAY. These ‘shots’ can be used in a program that you may want to produce when you return home.

PSA China：What conditions are required for a good photographer?

John Dean: Patience! Sometimes one must wait for the right light/sky conditions and so forth. Of course, the right composition is required for good photography – plus a “center of interest” in most if not all scenes which helps to create “impact”.

PSA China：Can you make a recommendation of the good places for photography?

John Dean:  I can happily suggest ‘China’ for a place for good photography. Take advantage of your own surroundings (if you haven’t already). This was my fifth trip to your beautiful, photogenic country. See China in all seasons! Beyond that and if time and money permits, visit Africa, Antarctica, Patagonia, India and Egypt. Beautiful destinations for photography.

PSA China：When did you begin to love photography? What fun has photography brought you?

John Dean: I was about 30 years old when I bought my first camera. The sales person suggested that I join the local camera club. I did and it was the best thing I’ve ever done! Photography provided me with a great hobby. I learned photography by listening to the club’s monthly competition judge and going on field trips. I enjoy competition and being with my photo friends. One never stops learning / improving ones photography.

PSA China：Can you share your unforgettable photographic experience with us? What do you think of your most favorite and most regretted images?

John Dean:  It was my photo trip to Kenya, East Africa. Driving by slowly, stopping occasionally to photograph wildlife, was an unforgettable experience. Just seeing lions and elephants close-up - I realized that I was not in a game farm—this was the real thing. I do not recall any regretted images. I do recall a time when I missed some images (during ‘film’ days). The film camera kept advancing, but actually, it wasn’t, so I missed some pretty nice shots in India. That was a definite regret.