Profiler - Stephan Frazier

Each issue of OFF! highlights someone who has achieved success in his/her field. This issue's pick is Stephan Frazier of the Southeast Missourian.

Stats:

Age - 26, but I still have my hair!

Education - Major in Photojournalism from Western Kentucky University.

Home Town - Jackson, TN.

Marital Status - Single

OFF!- What was your reason for becoming a photographer?

Stephan- My parents are amateur photographers they were the ones who first got me interested, I never had any interest in doing studio work and felt like Ansel Adam's had cornered the market on nature photography. When I was a senior in high school a photojournalist came and took photos during my drama class. I wound up hanging out a the paper and going on assignments with the staffers. It really can be a great job. I'm out of the office a lot and I get to do some great things, the best part is talking to people I get to meet a lot of them. People place a lot of trust in photographers. They're letting me into their life so I can go and share that with 20,000 people. That's a lot to ask of someone and I hold that as a great responsibility to always treat people kindly.

OFF!- Who are your influences today?

Stephan- Cindy Sherman, Henry Cartier-Bresson, Arnold Newman, Jack Corn, Eugean Richards, Malcolm M. Smith (potter), Sam Abell I guess they're ok

OFF!- What is your dream job?

Stephan- Dream Job, Humm , Reeses peanut butter cup quality assurance tester. This is it. I'd like to make more money sure but being a photographer is mostly the same from paper to paper. One of the nice things about the Missourian is that the owners and bosses are right there it doesn't take 5 weeks to get approval for extra space in the paper. Still Id like to move out west some day. I like the mountains.

OFF!- What makes a good picture?

Stephan- The People make the photography good. There are a million little things to keep a handle on while your shooting though. light, composition, exposure, angle. Most of that becomes second nature after a while. But it's important to think on your feet. always be considering if you might get a better view from somewhere else. Some times the best photo isn't the one that tells the story, Its upsetting when a good photo does not run, but its part of the job.

OFF!- What makes a good photographer?

Stephan- I try to be a good person. that's the most important thing to me. Being a good photographer means you care about the news. You also care about the readers you want to inform them as much as you can, try to have a impact on their day. I get upset when I don't make a good photo from a story. It's a big mental let down to come back and not have a great image one that conveys feeling and emotion.

OFF!- Has the digital age helped or hurt the photo industry?

Stephan- Its great, we just got some new cameras and the quality is really great. It gives you more time at the assignments because you don't have to spend time processing the film and then scanning the image into the computer or making a print. Its amazing what all you can do. It really helps with sports photography. I can stay longer at an event. Or if I'm out of town I can transmit a photo back over the phone line. (I know It's a simple concept but it still amazes me.)

OFF!- Where do you plan to be in the next ten years?

Stephan- 10 years, well I don't always know where I'll be in 10 minutes, who can say.

OFF!- Who's your favorite Simpson?

Stephan- That's just a little too personal, Mr. Burns (I don't actually like him but He's just so evil it's funny, which I guess is the point)

OFF!- And last but not least boxers or briefs?

Stephan- What do you think?