Angel Wynn
Photo by Angel Wynn
Photo by Angel Wynn
Angel's book
Photo by Angel Wynn
Angel's book
I would like to say that I am honored to have Angel Wynn, owner of Native Stock.com If you are looking for great Native American photos, this is the place to visit. So, Angel lets get started
1. Tell us about yourself.
My passion is to photograph Native American culture. I’ve been doing this for a very long time and now am the leading supplier of American Indian pictures in the world
2. You have a book published titled, "Voice of the Spirit: Notes of Wisdom from Indian Country, USA. Tell us about it and where can we purchase it?
“Voice Of The Spirit” is a collection of photographs that showcase my photographic specialty and adventures throughout Native America. I actually started out just creating a portfolio to show clients. But everyone that looked at it wanted a copy when it was published. So then I chose some favorite inspirational quotes given by tribal members from the past and present to accompany the photographs, along with informative captions. It use to be available at many bookstores online but the first printing is nearly sold out. Today ‘Voice of the Spirit’ is only available for purchase through my website at http://www.nativestock.com/
3. Yout site, http://www.nativestock.com/, is very interesting. I see that you have alot of Native American Photos. Can they be purchased? If so, what can they be used for?
Many people cannot believe that one person could be so anal as to have photographed all 150,000 images that are in this collection. I’m guilty! It was such a passion and a drive that there was nothing else I wanted to do.
4. I see from your website that you are a photographer and filmmaker. Tell us about that.
4. I see from your website that you are a photographer and filmmaker. Tell us about that.
Back in the mid 70’s, I studied filmmaking and Television production in Vancouver Canada. For about 20 years I produced documentaries and product videos. It was high stress and long hours with no spiritual satisfaction.
5.In what magazines, books,etc. has your photos appeared in?
Some of my earlier successes was National Geographic Travel magazine who used one of my photos and then Time Life books used several of my photos, including a cover shot for “Way of the Spirit”. This is before I even knew the difference between an aperature and a shutter speed. Of course I understand the technical aspects of a camera these days. Other magazines who have used my images are Cowboys & Indians, AAA and Sunset. Other well known book publishers who frequently use my images are Encyclopedia Britannica, Simon & Schuster, Reader’s Digest and of course many, many more.
Some of my earlier successes was National Geographic Travel magazine who used one of my photos and then Time Life books used several of my photos, including a cover shot for “Way of the Spirit”. This is before I even knew the difference between an aperature and a shutter speed. Of course I understand the technical aspects of a camera these days. Other magazines who have used my images are Cowboys & Indians, AAA and Sunset. Other well known book publishers who frequently use my images are Encyclopedia Britannica, Simon & Schuster, Reader’s Digest and of course many, many more.
6. Where do you get your models for the photos?
Generally through friends on the reservations I find many of my models, especially on the Shoshone-Bannock rez in Idaho. I have a couple of favorite families throughout Indian Country that I’ll call up with ages, gender and what they need to be doing. Then I’ll come on the scene and shoot grandchildren, brothers, aunts and grandma’s. Anyone who is willing to participate. Sometimes I’ll meet people at a pow wow or even in a grocery store and ask. Recently, I’ve been finding some very talented models through my Facebook page. I split any fees earned 50/50 with my models. Sometimes I will pay them an hourly fee up front, especially when I want to shoot something specific in a special location. All of the expenses are out of my own pocket, until I can get the image processed and out to the market place.
7. If somebody was interested in being a model for one of your photos, how would they go about doing that?
No experience necessary, that’s the motto. On occasion I’ve worked with professionals and they are awesome and have all their own outfits. However, to capture all the many faces and emotions that I have, you have to go out of the box and take on the challenges of working with those not use to being in front of a camera. That’s when I photograph from my heart. Anyone interested should first email me their interests, hobbies, age and a photo of them within the last year. I shoot both traditional and contemporary. So I’m always open for suggestions from the people who want to be a part of making some great pictures of their tribe and community.
No experience necessary, that’s the motto. On occasion I’ve worked with professionals and they are awesome and have all their own outfits. However, to capture all the many faces and emotions that I have, you have to go out of the box and take on the challenges of working with those not use to being in front of a camera. That’s when I photograph from my heart. Anyone interested should first email me their interests, hobbies, age and a photo of them within the last year. I shoot both traditional and contemporary. So I’m always open for suggestions from the people who want to be a part of making some great pictures of their tribe and community.
8. What is your overall goal in your photography?
To leave a legacy that documents America’s First Nations today. Kind of like what Edward Curtis did a century ago. He called his project “The Vanishing Race”. I’m here to show other cultures that Native Americans are still here, stronger than ever, and still practicing their heritage. I show both traditional and contemporary lifestyles. That tribal members live in houses, wear modern clothes and shop at Walmart.
9. What types of photos do you take?
Sensitive portrayals that touch on a historic way of life, handed down traditions today and where today’s Native Americans are focused on the future of tomorrow’s generations. I use to shoot slide film but have been using the preferred digital format for the past 6 years.
Sensitive portrayals that touch on a historic way of life, handed down traditions today and where today’s Native Americans are focused on the future of tomorrow’s generations. I use to shoot slide film but have been using the preferred digital format for the past 6 years.
10. What have you learned about the different tribes you have photographed?
I’ve learned so much about each individual tribe. Each tribe has their own creation story and fascinating history. Every tribe has their own unique culture such as the way they built dwellings, the food they ate, beadwork, baskets and clothing. It’s all so very different from tribe to tribe.
11. What tribes have you photographed the most?
This I don’t like to admit but I will. There are just some tribes that I’m asked for images over and over. Such as the Cherokee, Navajo, Iroquois and Lakota Sioux. Because the Shoshone are so close to me and I have many friends in Fort Hall, I tend to go over there and photograph lots. Everywhere I travel, there are either large Nations or remnants of indigeneous culture. But Native American tribes are everywhere.
This I don’t like to admit but I will. There are just some tribes that I’m asked for images over and over. Such as the Cherokee, Navajo, Iroquois and Lakota Sioux. Because the Shoshone are so close to me and I have many friends in Fort Hall, I tend to go over there and photograph lots. Everywhere I travel, there are either large Nations or remnants of indigeneous culture. But Native American tribes are everywhere.
12. If somebody was interested in doing photography for a living, what would you suggest for them to do?
There are so many opportunities in the photography industry. You can be a wedding photographer, shoot fashion for catalogues, work on commercial photo shoots or like me become a stock photographer. Stock photography is when you give yourself self-assignments and go out and shoot. Then you get your images out into the marketplace and hope that they can be used for education, business or government projects. Today there just isn’t the print publications that buy stock photos, there is the web, DVD’s, television, blogs. All I can say is specialize in photographing what you are most interested in and that will fill a need. There are so many travel and nature photographers all competing together. But there are some new photographers who are breaking the rules and creating amazing work. It won’t be easy to break into this business these days but the awards will be there if you really, really try.
Well, everybody doesn't this post make you want to become a photographer like Angel.
Angel thank you for being on my blog today. I am so honored to have you here and I hope to have you visit again real soon.
Walk in harmony,
Melinda
