An Interview with Ron Dadon

Meet Ron Dadon, an Arizona based fashion photographer popularly known on Instagram as @ronathann. From editorial shoots, to portrait photography, Ron has collaborated with many companies and designers such as Brandy Melville USA, Freshtops, A'GACI, Shantiques Designs, Olloclip, and more. Read the interview to learn more about Ron's passion for photography and her journey unto the world of fashion and art. 

TO START OFF, WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHER FELLOW PHOTOGRAPHERS?

I use a Canon 5D mk iii and a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens. YES 10/10 would recommend!

WHAT DIFFERENT MESSAGES/FEELINGS DO YOU HOPE TO PORTRAY WITH YOUR PHOTOS?
Sometimes I'll be inspired by a quote and I'll create a photograph that portrays the quote in some way. I love making people think when they look at my photographs, and I love playing with lighting because it helps create emotion within a still image.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PARTICULAR LOCATIONS IN WHICH YOU PREFER SHOOTING?

I love shooting on rooftops and in fields during sunset, but I am starting to get into studio photography so hopefully I'll have a go-to studio soon as well.

DO YOU PREFER INDOOR OR OUTDOOR SHOOTS?

I'm more comfortable with outdoor shoots because that's what I started with. I've grown with my photography by doing outdoor shoots. Although, if a space is nicely lit and has interesting details to it I would absolutely shoot there, no questions asked!

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHERS?

I am in love with Annie Leibovitz, Rosie Hardy, Julia Trotti, Jorden Keith, and way more that I (sadly) can't think of off the top of my head right now.

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR PHOTOS?

Quotes, music, lighting, location, clothes, faces, life.

HOW DO YOU DETERMINE WHICH SUBJECTS/MODELS TO UTILIZE WITHIN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS?

Most of the time I choose the model first without a clue of how I want the shoot to look like and then I kinda just go out with my camera and wing it!

WHAT BRANDS AND COMPANIES HAVE YOU ENJOYED WORKING WITH THUS FAR?

Ahhhh I love every single company I've worked for, everyone is so sweet and supportive. I'm currently working with Brandy Melville USA, Freshtops, A'GACI, Shantiques Designs, Olloclip, and so many more. I love working with them all.

WHICH HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE SHOOT THAT YOU HAVE DONE THUS FAR?

I actually stared at my computer for so long trying to think of an answer to this question but it's absolutely impossible to choose!

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM EQUIPMENT?

What I own :-)

ALTHOUGH THE EQUIPMENT DOESN'T MAKE THE PHOTOGRAPHER, WHICH DO YOU FIND TO BE MORE IMPORTANT, A GOOD LENS OR A GOOD CAMERA?

A good lens on a less fancy camera will take you further than a fancy camera with a weak lense.

DESCRIBE SOME OF YOUR EDITING PROCESSES. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PROGRAMS TO UTILIZE AND HOW DO YOU EDIT YOUR PHOTOS?

I use Photoshop CS6 and VSCOcam on my phone! I just play with Curves, tweak the colors, and adjust it until I like the way it looks.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A 'GOOD' PHOTOGRAPH?

I like to think that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so there's not really one “right” or “good” way to make a photograph, it should appeal to the photographer themselves and then that factor makes it an incredible photograph.

DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE A CAREER OUT OF YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY?

That's the dream!

HOW HAS INSTAGRAM INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER/PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AND WHAT IMPACT HAS IT MADE ON YOUR LIFE THUS FAR?

I would not be where I am today without Instagram. I've met so many incredible people and have been offered so many incredible opportunities over the years that have shaped me into the person I am today.

DO YOU HAVE ANY LAST ADVICE FOR ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS?

NEVER. GIVE. UP.

When people laugh and say that they don't get your vision, just laugh back at them because you're the one who will make it big someday. Meet as many people as you can, never say no to trying new things, always think outside the box, and always look to improve. BE BOLD. PUSH TO GET WHAT YOU WANT. Email the company you've always wanted to shoot for. What if they email back? The opportunities are endless, go find your inner artist.

See more of Ron on instagram.com/ronathann