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Artist Eric B. Wood

By | Photography, Uncategorized | One Comment

Not every company has a brag-worthy customer base, but JOBY sure does. We are lucky to have a ton of amazing, creative people that also happen to love our products. I chatted with photographer and JOBY-enthusiast Eric B. Wood about his start in photography, sneaking around library security guards to get the perfect shot and his inspirations.

Eric B. Wood is a self-taught photographer working in Hoosick, NY. He reached out to photography as creative escape from his corporate life, and never turned back. 

The Terminal by Eric B. Wood (ericbwood)) on 500px.com
The Terminal by Eric B. Wood

How long have you been a photographer?

I received my first DSLR back in 2007, but I’m embarrassed to say how long it sat without any use. It spent most of the time in the closet taking up space.  It wasn’t until 2009 that I really discovered my passion for photography and image processing. Since then it has been an awesome experience and it is a passion I truly value.

Do you remember when you first discovered the GorillaPod?

As a matter of fact I do. I had a catalog for an outdoor clothing retailer show up in my mailbox and somewhere in there I came across the GorillaPod Original. I loved how unique it was and jumped on the Joby website to check it out. I was super excited when I saw there was an SLR specific version. I dropped a little hint-hint to my wife and Christmas came early that year.

Untitled by Eric B. Wood (ericbwood)) on 500px.com
Untitled by Eric B. Wood

What do you find is most useful about the GorillaPod?

The GorillaPod’s flexibility (both literally and figuratively) makes it one of the most valuable pieces of equipment in my bag. Primarily shooting HDR photos, a tripod is really the staple of success but let’s face it, a traditional tripod is not always practical…or even acceptable. Over the last couple of years I’ve fallen in love with the idea that I can leave my big, bulky tripod at home and still have a tool that can produce reliable, creative results.

Can you tell us about a specific time where it really came in handy?

I was recently in New York City and decided to take a stroll through the New York Public Library. This place is simply amazing….both in terms of architecture and number of security officers. As soon as I entered through the main doors I was greeted with a frown and a warning from an officer not to let my tripod touch the floor. I wasn’t entirely surprised but I was pretty sure I could snap a discrete shot here and there. I was wrong. I quickly learned the library has officers in every corridor and every room just waiting for some unsuspecting photographer to try and get a shot off.

As I approached the main granite staircase I knew there was no way I could just walk by without shooting it. I quickly turned into stealth mode and opened my tripod to get a shot. Before the tripod hit the floor, I was greeting by an officer who reminded me that use of a tripod was prohibited. I casually grabbed my GorillaPod, made a few adjustments and placed it on a small table to get the shot; with the approval of the officer of course.

New York Public Library by Eric B. Wood (ericbwood)) on 500px.com
New York Public Library by Eric B. Wood

What inspires your work?

Creativity, uniqueness…landscapes, seascapes…websites, prints…you name it. I find inspiration everywhere. If you are one of those people that have a passion for something, you know what I mean. Searching for inspiration for something you love is almost as natural as breathing…finding the inspiration can sometimes be tough but it is out there; all around us and it usually hits you when you least expect it.

The Weight of the World by Eric B. Wood (ericbwood)) on 500px.com
The Weight of the World by Eric B. Wood

What is next on your Gorillapod wishlist?

Simple… GorillaPod Focus with Ballhead X…Done

Do you have any advice for a new GorillaPod shooter?

Absolutely! If you typically shoot with a tripod, leave it at home and take only your GorillaPod. It will force you to be creative and you will find a whole new perspective that you never would have found otherwise. If you shoot handheld, leave your camera strap at home for the exact same reasons.

Untitled by Eric B. Wood (ericbwood)) on 500px.com
Untitled by Eric B. Wood

The California by Eric B. Wood (ericbwood)) on 500px.com
The California by Eric B. Wood

 

If you are interesting in checking out the rest of Eric’s portfolio, visit his website. There are some really beautiful landscapes as well.

Have a lovely weekend!

 

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