Our latest interview is with Douglas Gunder, a Nebraska based photographer specializing in providing classy photojournalistic wedding photography.
Q. What did you want to be when you grew up?
A. Since 5th grade a photographer. Had a student teacher in 5th grade that showed us how to print photos in a darkroom. When I saw that I was hooked.
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. Des Moines, Iowa (Urbandale)
Q. Your favorite subject to photograph?
A. Weddings, everyone is at their best and having fun.
Q. What camera/s do you shoot with?
A. Nikon D700
Q. Your most awkward photography moment?
A. This happened back in the film days and I was only 3 or 4 years into the photography profession. Had to retake the hometown football team three times. It was not fun telling the head football coach we need to take them again and yet again. The first retake was because the shutter stopped working on the RB 67. Second time around the film was not winding through the camera. Third time it worked thank God!
Q. The hardest part of your job.
A. Waiting around for everyone. The start of a wedding, event or portrait session. Mainly because there are too many unknowns before a wedding or any photo shoot. Everyone is all nerves at that point. After 5 minutes into it no problem!
Q. The easiest part of your job?
A. Taking the photos. Once I’m behind the camera I’m at my best. It’s all that production and sales stuff I can do without.
Q. Your favorite movie of all time?
A. The Poseidon Adventure (1972), I was in grade school when I saw it and for some reason it had impacted me. Life can be short.
Q. Your favorite meal?
A. A Costco hotdog and a Coke. Or Bush Stadium, St. Louis Cardinal Baseball eating a hotdog. That’s my retirement.
Q. Who do you most admire? Why?
A. Can I name two people? My past employer in St. Louis, MO. Tom and Etta McCarthey. They are one of the few people/couples that really knew how to make money in photography. Had four portrait studios that really rolled along.
Q. What will you be doing 5 years from now?
A. Still doing photography. Would like to help people in need some way. Such as the Red Cross, helping people dealing with addictions, working to help other through our church groups.
