I was very happy when Lincoln graciously agreed to my interview request. Lincoln is one of our charter members here at YPF, and routinely shares valuable photographic insight and wonderful artwork that has enriched us all.
Let's begin with a brief look into Lincoln's personal side.
"Before my passion for photography, Family, and Business top the chart of most important things. Church is a central part of our lives too, but I won't bore you all with details about that.
My wife, BreAna, and I have three boys, Logan (5), London (2.5) and Liam (2 mos). Those of you with boys understand the colossal effort it is to keep them pointed in the right direction! They, however, are extremely good kids, and smart. I don't brag on them very often, because mom usually takes care of that part of the parenting, but I really am proud of each of them. They each have their cute little, unique personalities that add a beautiful aspect to our family dynamics.
BreAna and Liam
I work in the family real estate development and finance business with my father. We use private capital to invest in projects from Idaho to Minnesota. I started there just after high school, took a few years to do some college and serve a mission for the LDS church in Eugene, OR, and have been there since just before I got married six years ago. It's very challenging, as my responsibilities are always growing and changing, but I feel very blessed for the opportunities that it presents. Unfortunately, I would probably be a very wealthy person if I was half as passionate about real estate as I am about photography. It's been a difficult challenge for me to try to maintain a balance between family, work and photos!"
London and Logan
What first inspired your interest in photography and what continues to inspire you?
I can't pinpoint one moment where I was drawn to photography. I did have an interest when I was younger. I bought a Pentax point and shoot film camera and tinkered. My mom bought me some books and a mag subscription, but it never went far. I don't think I had the drive for study that I do now.
The thing that inspires me the most is the work of the people around me, much of which comes from this forum.
There's also something very rewarding about creating a photo I didn't know I was capable of making. I think the drive for that "edge" keeps me going too.
What equipment do you currently own and which is your favorite piece of equipment?
Canon 40D
24-105 IS L
100-400 IS L
100 Macro
10-22 Sigma wide angle
50mm 1.4 Canon
A few Speedlite flashes.
I edit all my photos on the same computer I use for work: a 17" MacBook Pro laptop.
My 24-105 is my favorite and most used lens. I just replaced my 28-135 kit a month or so ago and love the new one. I can see the clarity difference in the pictures and even through the viewfinder.
Those buying equipment should take the advice of people smarter than me (which I ignored): BUY GOOD GLASS! I may be selling some of my other equipment that I don't use as often to post-fund my recent purchases!
Do you have any formal training in the art and science of photography and did you go to (art) school?
I have no formal photographic or art training. I began shooting almost two years ago when my wife rolled our point and shoot off the top of our car and I replaced it with my first DSLR.
I read 3 or 4 hours a week (sometimes more) about different subjects and try to get at least one good shoot a week where I can get some hands on experience. Other than that, I fly by the seat of my pants and hope I can fix my mistakes in post processing! (I know. I'm evil. Don't judge me.)
Your portraits are really well done. Is this the main genre you plan to explore moving forward?
Thank you! Ironically, this is the area of photography in which I feel least educated or inspired. There are so many great portrait photographers with a talent for bringing out the best in people. While my plans don't include heavy studio work in the future, I definitely want to learn as much as possible from those people as I move forward. This also seems to be the genre that I learn the most from each time I shoot.
How do you see HDR photography affecting the photographic industry in the future?
HDR has been a niche that it seems is growing more and more popular. Unfortunately, it's still a fairly technical process to produce an HDR photograph. I personally think that we're going to see the biggest strides in HDR technology take place in hardware development that will allow the average user to reproduce a greater range at capture. Will it affect the photographic industry as much as the transition from black and white to color? I don't know. I do think that once it becomes mainstream, I'll move on to something else! The thing I like about it now is that it evokes emotion from a lot of people that aren't aware of the process.
You obviously don’t convert everything you shoot to HDR. What conditions or components do you look for when shooting that inspire you to go HDR?
There seem to be two schools of thought when it comes to HDR. Photo-realistic or Artistic. I usually lean toward the artistic approach.
Obviously scenes with contrast that is beyond the single frame capability of the camera are good candidates, but combine that with scenes that also have a lot of fine detail, or would lend well to a "grungy" look, and you can get some really dramatic images.
What’s your approach to photography once you’re in the field? How do you maximise the photographic opportunities that you have?
I have a lot of improvement to do in this area. I TRY really hard to find new or unique perspectives, but my eye is pretty unrefined still.
I think a successful shoot starts with the prep. Knowing what to expect beforehand and rolling with the punches when stuff doesn't go my way. Again, I'm still learning how to do it.
I try to set aside some time just for me once a week, usually an evening which I use to shoot something.
What do you believe to be the pros and cons of photoshop?
Pros: It's awesome! I'm constantly finding new "formulas" as I like to call them, for achieving unique and desirable results from photos. I've tried several editing programs that I will try for an hour to a couple months, and I always come back to PS.
Cons: It's too expensive. Way too expensive.
Where do you want to go with your photography and how has the internet helped you expand your audience?
I've been thinking about this very question a lot lately. I think I've taken the shotgun approach to the hobby, rather than focusing on any one thing.
I think the most difficult thing to do in photography is to somehow make yourself unique when there are so many people doing the same things.
I plan to continue to learn about the technical and artistic aspects of photography. I'd love to do some "project" work where I focus on a specific issue, concept, area, person, etc.
My sister, who lives in Colorado, wrote me a message the other day telling me how grateful she was that I was sharing my work, and that it gave her a way to participate in our lives, even from a long distance. The miracle of the internet.
Ultimately, if I can bring happiness to people in that way, I will feel successful as a photographer.
Will digital be the death of film?
No clue! I've heard many of the arguments for both media, resolution usually being at the forefront of the debate.
I'm a digital man all the way. My self taught photo education would have come at a much higher price if I was forced to spend thousands on film and developing.
Not to mention the fact that I'm a self-proclaimed geek. Much of the joy I find in photography comes from the technical aspects of post processing my digital files. I'm the guy that really makes the purists angry!
Would you mind describing two photographers that you especially admire and you think influence your work; ideally one emerging photographer and one classic or established photographer?
I have to admit that I haven't studied classical photography as much as I should. I do really like the portrait work of Annie Leibovitz, however controversial that may be given the recent scandals! I find a lot of emotion in her work.
As far as emerging photographers, I would be remiss if I failed to mention the fact that a good number of the people that I respect are those in this forum. I can't begin to explain how valuable it's been to have access to the great and talented people here. JonMikal has challenged me to look at things in new ways and from different perspectives. Chiller simply does beautiful work. Woodsac was my mentor in HDR. I could go on and on.
If I have to name someone outside the forum that I follow it would be Mark Fleming. His website is http://markfleming.pixyblog.com. Does very cutting edge and diverse work.
Where is your favorite place to hang out?
This is a boring answer, but home is my favorite. I'm very much a homebody, much to BreAna's chagrin. She's stays at home with the kids, so she's usually ready to get out just when I get in, but I think it says something for our home. At least it's a pleasant place to come home to. Again, I feel very blessed.
Define beauty.
The meaning of the word has changed for me as I've discovered photography. I think true beauty is found in things that are not readily apparently or extraordinary, or those that we tend to take for granted. The greatest form of beauty, for me, is one that inspires feeling of gratitude for having rediscovered brilliance in the ordinary.
What's your worst vice?
I drink A LOT of Coke.
I'm also guilty (convicted by my wife) of spending entirely too much time on my computer.
What's your favorite genre of music?
I can honestly say I'm about as diverse as it gets when it comes to music. I grew up loving classic rock and country, but I also enjoy a lot of the contemporary alternative and even some R&B, thanks to the bad influence of my wife. I remember the first time she rolled up in her Ford Probe when we were dating and I could hear hear the junk from inside my rickety trailer where I lived at the time. I knew I was in trouble, but it was too late!
How do you feel about "fine art - nude photography" and would like to see it on YPF?
I certainly don't find the genre offensive, and even find some of it appealing. However, being the father of three young boys, I'm finding it more and more difficult to protect their innocence. For that reason I don't see myself ever photographing nudes or pursing it as a passion, regardless of how harmless. i just don't want to answer the questions that could potentially follow!
As far as the forum goes, I think it's up to the Moderators and the demand of the members. Participation in a given genre forum is optional to the members.
If you can hope to leave one impression with your photographs what would that be?
I believe in creation. My hope would be that regardless of belief, my photography would help to instill in others that sense of gratitude for ordinary beauty that I mentioned before. Whether to God or to the beauty itself.
Any final words of advice?
You tell me! I'd be happy to accept any you have! Really, I feel like a midget among giants around here, so thanks to everyone who continues to contribute to the forum and make it a comfortable place to learn and grow.
Thank you Lincoln for your time, insight, and support to YPF. We love you brother!
. All the best to you and your beautiful family, and thanks for letting us see into your world for a bit. 
Nice to meet you.
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