Shanghoon

Shanghoon is a Toronto based commercial photographer specializing in still-life photography and digital retouching.
His iconic images can be seen in countless advertising campaigns across the country. A graduate of Humber College, Shanghoon now runs Shanghoon Inc and is represented by Westside Studio.

Portfolio: Shanghoon.com
Facebook: Shanghoon
Twitter: @shanghoon

The Interview

Bron: How did you get your start behind the lens?
Shanghoon: I took some pictures with my grandfather’s camera and the rest is history.

Bron: Let’s do a few ‘Firsts’.

• First Camera – Pentax K1000.
• First Car – Nissan 200 SX
• First Photographer You Looked Up To – Irving Penn
• First Published Photo – Bandaid Blister campaign.
• First Paid Shoot – That same Bandaid Blister campaign.

Bron: Commercial product work is probably what you’re most known for, but do you shoot other subjects in your down time?
Shanghoon: Yes, Mostly I am known for commercial product work. I shoot personal experimental work in my down time as well as shooting for some editorial work.

Bron: Looking through your photos, I could really go for a beer. Have you got a tip for your product work that you wish someone had told you when you started? (Maybe how to get those great water drops on the outside of the can?)
Shanghoon: I wish ! I learn a lot from a photographer that I assisted full time regards to those knowledge. Later on, I experimented with different methods and tools to perfect the skill sets.

Bron: How much time is spent behind the camera versus the computer? Do you do all the compositing work yourself or are you hands off for that?
Shanghoon: I spend a lot of time on both ends. My shoots involves a lot of pre planning that are precisely to create the result, which then gets altered and enhanced in post later.

Bron: How do you split your time between photo and video?
Shanghoon: I have directed two commercials so far and I really like it. I can see myself directing for more projects in the future.

Bron: When did you get started with Broncolor lighting?
Shanghoon: I have always been a fan of Broncolor lighting. I mainly start using a couple of years ago. I started shooting some freeze action stills and splashes that needed a hi end gear and Broncolor was a perfect tool for me to achieve that.

Bron: What is it about Broncolor that makes you want to use it shoot after shoot?
Shanghoon: I mainly use Scoro power packs. It is very sophisticated equipment yet the LCD display on the power pack makes it a lot easier for a user to change settings.

Bron: Favourite tool in the Broncolor lineup?
Shanghoon: I favor Scoro power packs and Pulso Flash heads.

Bron: Any plans to keep pushing the limits? New photo or video ideas on the horizon? Something crazy?
Shanghoon: I am continuing to explore experimental photography in freeze action still shots and some splash work.

– Be sure to check out more of Shanghoon’s work at: shanghoon.com