Everyone should be a nerd about something. I would say a wise man once said that, but it was my husband, it’s too early to give him that much credit, and he doesn’t have the long beard that I believe is required of wise men. Regardless, he’s right. Everyone should be so passionate about something that they immerse themselves in it. Preferably, something productive and not something like ranking jelly beans from best to worst (of course I haven’t done thi..nope, I lied, I definitely did this).
Insert Ua Chamberlain.
Ua is a nerd, through and through, but lucky for us he’s a photography nerd. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things photography and is on a one man mission to educate any and all. Although he does a little of everything (mostly keeping the rest of us in line), what he nerds out for at UA Creative is teaching photography. I know they say “those who can, do; those who can’t, teach,” but whoever said that was just making excuses. Ua can, does, and then breaks it down into learning modules. His slogan should be “let me show you how we do it in the pros.” (he won’t get that movie reference because Ua happens to be pop culturally challenged) I guess what I’m trying to say is go book some training sessions with the master because he has to teach to survive and if it’s not you, he’ll start trying to teach his cats (they don’t have opposable thumbs, so both times it was just a disaster).
Check out the questionnaire below and tell me this man isn’t a photo nerd!
If you could live inside a TV show or movie, which one would it be?
Jurassic Park. I could really use more running in my life.
Movie(s) you could watch on repeat.
The Cloud Atlas, Sherlock Holmes, We’re the Millers, Wall-e
Who or what is your spirit animal?
Gaspard-Félix Tournachon, known as “Nadar”, the 19th century french photographer who pioneered the use of artificial lighting and aerial photography. He lived a life of adventure, exploration, and passion.
First CD/album/cassette tape you ever purchased?
Tool’s Lateralus
Food that is your lifeblood?
Fair trade light roast coffee and dark chocolate. Crunchy peanut butter.
Do you have a nickname?
Apparently, in 6th grade my nickname was “Spaz.” I’ve calmed down since then.
Favorite activity for a rainy day?
I have a full body rain suit that I love to put on and go out to make photographs in the rain. The reflections and atmosphere is amazing on rainy days.
Favorite activity for a beautiful summer day?
Bike rides around Upper Arlington with my family.
Something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I was bit by a spider in while on a camping trip in Wisconsin when I was 17 and almost died. It happened while I was sleeping. No, I did not get any superpowers.
Which existing superhero would you want to be?
Funny enough, I would love to be Spiderman. I love climbing structures and trees.
Weird human trick or hidden talents?
I’m an exceptional jumper. When I was younger I could jump over a picnic table longways. I probably still could, maybe we’ll make that a YouTube video.
What was the weirdest behavior you had as a child?
In elementary school I chased girls around the playground pretending to be a Velociraptor. Truth be told, I still chase my family around the house acting like a monster for my daughter’s entertainment. My wife thinks it’s terrifying.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would really like to be able to play piano. I can sing pretty well, but musical instruments have always been hard for me to master.
Besides what you currently do, what do you wish someone paid you to do? This doesn’t have to be a well-known job, you can get creative.
If I could get paid to say “hi” to every passersby in an attempt to encourage others to do the same that would be amazing.
Decade in history (besides this one) you think you would have been best suited for?
1885-1895 when the pictorial photographers were challenging what art is.
What do you think your identifier is? Like if someone were trying to describe you to someone else, what would they say first?
“That monochromatically dressed guy”
What makes you cringe?
Broken bones and dirty diapers.
If you could adopt any song as your theme music, what would it be?
Spoon – The Underdog