Jason Roman (Stockezy)
A series of short, quickfire interviews with photographers we admire, who push boundaries with their work and continue to develop and grow as artists.
What’s up hot-dogs? We are fired up proper for this weeks interview with Jason Roman
I'm blown away once again by how much insight and inspiration is being shared in what are fairly short interviews.
You can follow Jasons work at @stockezy on IG
A movie every photographer must watch: A Pigeon Sat On A Branch Reflecting on Existence by Roy Andersson... I recommend watching the entire trilogy. Roy Andersson is a master at his craft, and his photographic influence is profound. As I delve more into cinema and motion these days, I often find myself doing what's obvious—trying to compose films that look like 'movies.' However, this body of work serves as a reminder to embrace my origins. Perhaps, I should put the camera on sticks and compose video like a photograph.
An album to edit to: My Smooth Shit playlist on Spotify.
Shout out an Instagram photographer: @ProjectRoman is my brother's Instagram, and the way he composes is beautiful. He also has a great eye for color. We often shoot together, but it's a constant reminder of how different styles can be and where I am in my photography journey. I appreciate the different lanes more when I have someone I can talk to about it, shoot with, and yet produce such differing final products. If I had to simplify, I'd say I photograph more from an emotional place, and he from a graphic nature."
Your favourite photographer of all time: Bruce Gilden is easily the most consistent and fearless photographer I know of. I love him not just because of the quality of his work but also because of his execution in the medium. Photography is a constant in his life, and if I had 10% of his heart and motivation, I'd be a better photographer. He is a master of his craft.
A photo accessory you can't do without: An electronic air blower for cleaning all my dusty cameras on the road and saving the environment from canned air.
Something we probably don't know about you: I studied acting for almost 5 years in my 20's.
What's the most surprising thing that's happened to you because of photography: I like to joke and say, 'I had no clue these cameras came with plane tickets,' but it couldn't be more true. If I had to simplify success into one word, it's ACTION. As long as you put action behind your words, things will manifest, and you will go places.
If you could photograph anybody past or present, dead or alive, who would it be: I'd love to be on tour with someone like Jimi Hendrix or Muhammad Ali... or even Mike Tyson in his prime. People that have their own magnetic pull that suck the air out of the room when they walk in. Yeah, Iron Mike in his prime would have been legendary.
You desert island item: A camera. A Leica camera... or a 1000 gallon container of water.
Round Table Dinner: Gordon Parks, Helmut Newton, Sebastian Salgado, Rick Rubin.
Final thoughts: One day I am going to release a new YouTube video. Please stay tuned.
(Editors Note: Ya don’t have to wait to catch up a bunch of Jasons YouTube flicks. They are pretty awesome viewing).
Remember to check out Jasons IG @stockezy
More Q-Shot Interviews
Check out this awesome quickshot interview with Larry Callinan. His work is pure, uninformed, gritty street work that is pure ‘heart of the matter’ stuff.