Photographer Profile: Drew "Rukes" Ressler

[Canon Rumors]

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Our 3rd photographer profile has been completed.</p>
<p>Drew “Rukes” Ressler took the time to talk with us about his photography and his business. Business looks to be pretty good for him.</p>
<p>As I mention in the interview, I was intrigued by Drew because he seems to have created a thriving business in a new and/or underserved genre of photography.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/photographer-profiles/drew-rukes-ressler/"><strong>Check out the CR interview.</strong></a></p>
<p><strong>Check out Drew’s Site: <a href="http://www.rukes.com">www.rukes.com</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong>

 

[SImages]

Re: Photographer Profile: Drew \

I like the concepts and his work in general, but I wasn't blown away by it. Great day (night!) job though!

"Any formal training in photography?
None at all."

It shows.

Whilst I like the concepts that he takes and the general composure, only one of those shots in the article were even close to horizontal and it was a little off-putting. Also, there are a few distractions and things that could easily be removed to improve the photo's even more.

Note: Having horizontal and vertical lines angled can add a sense of action to a photo, when they are not deliberate and only slightly off it can be off-putting and look a little un-professional. I have a similar problem when hand-holding but I think mine tilt right (rather than Drews which tilt left), lightroom and any other program can fix this very easily.

I commend Drew for his abilities and good decisions, but I think his photo's would go to another level if he had some training.

 

[DockNorth]

I liked his photos a lot and thought they really caught the excitement and general feel of the experience. I get the point about them not being technically perfect (no formal training) but in this genre a little "off the hip" and impromptu feel helps more than hurts. I looked at them and, while I did not study them to find technical faults, they really captured the moment for me. I don't care that there was a "tilt' to them. Quite a few that I saw were outstanding!

He has obviously taken a step back, looked away from the obvious, and found the unique aspect of the moment to capitalize on his interests. Lucky man!

And yes, sometimes at a fancy restaurant I use the salad fork for my entree.

 

[bopie]

Re: Photographer Profile: Drew \

"Any formal training in photography?
None at all."

It shows.

He's doing something right if he's hanging out with celebrities.

 

[npherno]

Re: Photographer Profile: Drew \

"Any formal training in photography?
None at all."

It shows.

He's doing something right if he's hanging out with celebrities.

Its easy to hate the guy on top, huh?

I know Rukes from the photography-on-the-net forum, where there is the end all to be all thread or two about nightclub photography. He takes AMAZING nightlife photos.

I also do some club shooting-not only because its fun, but it is hard, and teaches you how to shoot in the worst conditions, and always in low(no)light.

I find it hard to believe people still think that people like Rukes, Al Powers, or or even people like Ron Galella do not have a place in modern art. Obviously there are formal ways of shooting, and all rules are made to be broken.

People like Drew and Al Powers have literally made people pick up cameras and love to take photos. They have also been selfless in sharing what they know to help others get better.

And, as was already pointed out, judging by Ruke's success, he is doing something right.

While I am on my soapbox, Please check out:

Nightlife threads on Photography on the Net
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=415099
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=895331

My Friend Srika's Page-His work is Stunning.
http://night-club-photography.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?5-Gallery&s=769633bb40cb692802f328e92cf30b5e
http://night-club-photography.com/forums/showthread.php?10-srika-s-photos-*NWS*

Al Powers-Las Vegas-A former club shooter "gone good". He rarely shoots clubs now. He has also switched to the dark side.
http://powersimagery.com/blog/

 

[Admin US West]

Re: Photographer Profile: Drew \

"Any formal training in photography?
None at all."

It shows.

This is your first post. Post some of your images. You have no credibility as a expert as it stands.

 

[Rukes]

Re: Photographer Profile: Drew \

I like the concepts and his work in general, but I wasn't blown away by it. Great day (night!) job though!

"Any formal training in photography?
None at all."

It shows.

Whilst I like the concepts that he takes and the general composure, only one of those shots in the article were even close to horizontal and it was a little off-putting. Also, there are a few distractions and things that could easily be removed to improve the photo's even more.

Note: Having horizontal and vertical lines angled can add a sense of action to a photo, when they are not deliberate and only slightly off it can be off-putting and look a little un-professional. I have a similar problem when hand-holding but I think mine tilt right (rather than Drews which tilt left), lightroom and any other program can fix this very easily.

I commend Drew for his abilities and good decisions, but I think his photo's would go to another level if he had some training.

Yes, I do agree some of my pics are a bit tilted The thing you have to realize is that all of this is hand-held, it's impossible to do any of these shots with even a monopod (and usually a fire hazard/illegal). So there will be some tilting, although most of the ones in the example pics are very slight so you won't notice unless you almost pixel peep and look carefully

As Dock said, they are more photojournalist pics, since in all the situations, there is no real posing or anything, just getting a quick pic or two, or even like the Aoki one, being pushed around in all directions while in a drunk crowd! I tend to keep the pics that way.

One thing to note is I never crop my pics at all, the only exception ever is that Motley Crue group shot, since I went a little too wide. Everything else I like to compose in camera. I never do any photoshopping either, so if something sticks out bad enough, i'll just get rid of the pic and retake it.

One thing to note is that all the way up until last August, all my pics were JPEGs SOOC. So I have only been doing more post recently, so I haven't tried any of the lightroom features yet for leveling/tilting photos...right now just filters and basic post. So eventually I will work on possibly fixing the tilting in post

One thing I don't really get is the training aspect. What exactly is necessary in doing that for me? I take pictures the way I want them to look, i'm pleased with what I do, others are pleased with what I do, and i'm continually improving. I don't want to go to a college class where rules for photography that don't apply to my genere are forced on me.

 

[DockNorth]

"One thing I don't really get is the training aspect. What exactly is necessary in doing that for me?"

You take the training so that your shots will look like everybody else's! Perfectly composed and conforming to all the rules. I took some training, read some books, and it helped me. Now I really want to become creative and make some "out of the box" shots that nobody else does.

Rukes - I really enjoy your work! Obviously you do as well.

 

[kubelik]

Rukes,

Love your photography. I was just listening to Deadmau5 yesterday and chuckling at the awesome outfit but had no idea who did the photography for his promo material and his shows. keep up the great work!

CRguy,

keep up the great work too. it's really enjoyable reading the photographer profiles because everyone approaches their work from a totally different angle, and I like the broad spectrum of photogs you've chosen to interview so far. it's great that you bring meaningful and educational content along with the everyday run of rumors, and it's a great synergy that I don't see/get from other websites

 

[IWLP]

Some cool photos and I was even turned on to some new music!

Very cool.

And I'm not sure why anyone feels the need to "coach" a guy who makes a living not only doing what he loves, but shoots in his own, deliberate style. ???

 

[Admin US West]

I'm all for training, but training is a two edged sword. You might learn what your teacher knows, but if he has it wrong, so do you.

Experience, like most endeavors is where you really learn, and you can teach yourself if you really want to learn.

I received a engineering degree from a large University, but when I went to work, the training really began, I was in no way ready to take on real world engineering responsibilities.

 

[JRSJ]

Loved it -- bookmarked and looking forward to seeing more of your work Rukes.

 

[bhavikk]

Great profile and images Rukes. I really enjoyed it, espically because I've been getting into Nightclub photography.

Though the events are not as big as the ones you attend and my images are probably not as good yet, I'm still learning.

I have a couple questions though.

How often do you find yourself using a flash? and How did you get the nickname Rukes?

 

[Rukes]

I'm all for training, but training is a two edged sword. You might learn what your teacher knows, but if he has it wrong, so do you.

Experience, like most endeavors is where you really learn, and you can teach yourself if you really want to learn.

I received a engineering degree from a large University, but when I went to work, the training really began, I was in no way ready to take on real world engineering responsibilities.

Exactly. Chances are if I go to any photography school, they will pretty much know nothing about what I do...which is why I prefer to just learn it all myself.

Great profile and images Rukes. I really enjoyed it, espically because I've been getting into Nightclub photography.

Though the events are not as big as the ones you attend and my images are probably not as good yet, I'm still learning.

I have a couple questions though.

How often do you find yourself using a flash? and How did you get the nickname Rukes?

Probably 30% of the time I use a flash. I try to get as many of my pics in natural light as possible and only use a flash if it's a potrait of a person (i.e. not a DJ) or I need the extra light.

For the second part, I have a big FAQ section on my page

 

[Admin US West]

hi, nice profile!

but this is not club photography, this is stage or concert photography.
since djs have stage shows like rockstars, there is no difference.
club photography, what i know, is in dark and foggy clubs with no lights.
concerts like this in the profile have a lot of light, you dont need a lens like 1,2/85.

if you looking at his gallery, the clubphotos from avalon (f.e. felix da housecat)
there is boring frontflash, not the best choise. also the view of the dj from behind,
i dont like this so much. this could be better - that is possible.

microbi

We'd love to see the professional "good" photography you do, post some.

 

[Rukes]

hi, nice profile!

but this is not club photography, this is stage or concert photography.
since djs have stage shows like rockstars, there is no difference.
club photography, what i know, is in dark and foggy clubs with no lights.
concerts like this in the profile have a lot of light, you dont need a lens like 1,2/85.

if you looking at his gallery, the clubphotos from avalon (f.e. felix da housecat)
there is boring frontflash, not the best choise. also the view of the dj from behind,
i dont like this so much. this could be better - that is possible.

microbi

Err, no. Look at the galleries on my site; the ones on my profile are mix of concert and club stuff. 90% of my work is club stuff.

A majority of the clubs I shoot at are extremely dark (Avalon) or have little light source. There are lights called strobes which help with most of the photos. As a lot of people don't get, I succeed in using what's available to use the little light to make it look bright, hence the confusion on your part.

Avalon is very dark, so for profile pics, like for the Felix pic, it's either front flash or a completely black pic.

And no, front shots don't look too good if there isnt a big crowd, so i only do it on packed nights (see Sebastian Ingrosso)

 

[Jon S]

It's great to see Drew featured on here. I have done quite a lot of club photography myself and I can tell you that it's an extremely challenging environment. Drew's images have always been among the best and a lot of the other club photographers really look up to him.

Drew, I hope to see you soon. If you didn't know, Linda and I have moved up to the Bay Area (which is why you don't see us out in LA anymore), so let us know if you're up this way sometime.

 

[Rukes]

Err, no. Look at the galleries on my site; the ones on my profile are mix of concert and club stuff. 90% of my work is club stuff.

yes, i saw your photos on your website. but in the profile are mostly concert/stage photos.
a friend of mine taking club shots since years. thats club photography, very close to the action.
check it: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ultraberlin/sets/72157594414320580/

Yes, and your point? My profile is a mix of different types of stuff I do. If you haven't reazlied, photographer profiles on here can't spam a full gallery of 50+ pictures to go with it; we have to pick ones that stand out and I chose to put some variety in there. I'm sorry you think I should hide some of the other work I have done for your personal approval. Not to mention some of the discussions dealt with Motley Crue, so I have to put some of that in there.

So basically "You do the same type of work my friend does, but you suck because you didn't put most of that work in your profile".

A majority of the clubs I shoot at are extremely dark (Avalon) or have little light source. There are lights called strobes which help with most of the photos. As a lot of people don't get, I succeed in using what's available to use the little light to make it look bright, hence the confusion on your part.

i know what we talking about. but why did you use extra light like a strobist?
or ask the light manager for extra light - thats pro!

I don't understand your point. I am not a strobist. I don't use any "extra" lights. The only flash I use is the one mounted on my camera.

Also you have to factor in DJs too, it's their show. Some DJs like it really dark and tell the lighting guy to keep it way down. I have to respect that and work with that.

Avalon is very dark, so for profile pics, like for the Felix pic, it's either front flash or a completely black pic.

be creative and try to get some extra light in the club.
do you know radioslaves?
clubs can be really dark and normally you cant get a photo,
but its on the photographer to get the picture thats show the athmosphere.
use the clubstrobes, the ambienlight and photostrobes and bring it together.
the felix pic could be better, for sure.

Raidioslaves and any extra flash other than your main one, I hate, in my opinion. A majority of venues don't have enough room to pull that off on the DJ booth, so for starters you probably can't use the same setup in most clubs.

Second, I feel having extra flashes, eye level with the DJs gear, is kind of rude. I don't really want a DJ looking down at a CDJ or his laptop and seeing a huge bright flash out of the corner of their eye.

Third, the light source is usually pretty obvious in all the pics. I don't want every single one of my shots having the same light from the same angle. Having the flash on the camera and dead on usually blends it in with most of the rest of the club's lights.

I like variety, I don't want people to look at my pics and say "oh look, another shot where the light is only coming from the bottom right corner and partially illumiating the face". I see that all the time with other photographers, and usually it gets really boring after the second or third pic. I know a few photographers in Chicago like Shea that pull it off well, since they have the flash on a cord and use different angles all the time, though (but like I said, he doesn't just mount the flash in the booth and leave it to get the same strobist lighting in every picture).

No offense, but how exactly is a photostrobe that YOU bring to a club and YOU mount on a DJ booth showing the atmosphere of the club? It's not part of the club's lighting system. All it shows, to me, is that you brought in your own light that is not part of the club at all, to simulate a small "strobe".

---

Overall, remember, just like every other photographer, some days are good and some are bad. Note that I have worked at Avalon almost 130 times, so just because my most recent gallery, I would consider an off day/gallery for me, don't concentrate on that and look at other ones.

 

[KyleSTL]

Drew, sorry the crowd here at CR is not welcoming you, whether they appreciate your work or not. I for one appreciate your work and I wish you the best. Thanks for the interesting read on your work and experience. I hope others can find the maturity to stop attacking you and your work.

 

[pitt monqui]

I've been here most days for about 8 months, and finally registered to say how much I liked Rukes profile and pictures - and especially appreciate the time he's taken in this forum to explain what he does and why.

I'm new to photography and took it up because I spend about 10 months of the year on the road as touring crew for some pretty big acts. Adding a camera to the dream job and Triple-A pass seemed like a no brainer.

I'm really surprised at the stick Rukes has received about his style and technique. His images look cool and are taken in an unforgiving environment of extreme noise and unpredictable lighting where you often have to compromise composure for discretion. Asking the Lighting Designer ("manager") for more light during a live show is like asking Axl Rose to turn the volume down. "Pro" is dealing with what you get, and still getting the shot.

Keep up the great work!