@scottsmallin has been one of my inspirations for years. That dude can shoot food, houses, and naked ladies like a boss. For him to follow me, feels kinda like the first time @tmronin ever said he liked one of images (I know the exact image and model he ever first said he liked, her name was Crystal; shot with a single monolight and umbrella).
I pretty much joined because the SG Staff photographers were so on point. I wanted to be part of that club. @cherry @lavonne the list is crazy long of all the crazy talent on staff, now @corwinprescott is on staff. Probably half of my heroes have shot or are now shooting for SG.
It used to be that I would view sets based on who shot them. I was amazed that every image could stand alone, I'd spend hours deconstructing them. Where were the lights, how many lights, what lens, was it distorted (focal lengths distort), did they ND filter to get a depth of field that was narrow in a bright ass place, just... WANTING a to be like them. Steal their secrets. I have come a long way since then, but hell, I still want to be like them and belong in the cool kids club. I still geek out over Steve liking one of my images or even Scott following me on Instagram.
I guess you never outgrow your heroes.
