RON GEJON PHOTOGRAPHY - SMILE, YOU'RE ON COSPLAY CAMERA

Apart from the obvious connection, do you know what Jeff Bridges, Peter Sellers, Bryan Adams, and Leonard Nimoy, all have in common? No. It's not that. They haven't all slapped William Shatner in the face with a dead fish. Instead, at one time or another, throughout their respective careers, they have all taken up professional photography. Yeah. I'm not kidding. If you don't believe me, just ask my photographic mate, Ron Gejon, who I spoke to only the other day, whilst slapping some lemon on a piece of Shatner. 





1) What are your own origins, Ron? Plus what path did you take in life before you got to where you are today?   My parents are from the Philippines. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Went to elementary and high school in Queens, then college in NYC.

In college, I met some people that were looking for a bassist, and to cut a long story short -- too late -- I was enlisted. After a while the drummer of the band, Michael Violago, got bit by the shutterbug. And so because of that, I became his assistant / apprentice.

A couple years passed and his work took him abroad leaving me to handle his usual clients. From there I kept shooting and meeting new people. A majority of what I've learned is thanks to him. He is a great mentor, and I'm super positive that anything I can do he can do better.

Also, I have to mention that one fateful day, while in line for a 'She & Him' concert, I met a fellow geek called Zoë Gulliksen. We spoke for quite a while because we were the first in line. A few weeks passed and through her I met Thor Parker, from Midtown Comics, who was in need for some promo shots for the upcoming NYCC. And I guess that’s when the geeky photography hit me hard. 

From there I just took what I knew and ran with it. I've been covering events with Midtown Comics ever since. It definitely makes me feel like Spidey working for the Daily Bugle minus J. Johan Jameson.

Recently, I traveled to the Philippines and had the opportunity to hang out with an epic cosplay photographer, Jay Tablante, at his amazing studio. I really admire his work, and I hope one day to inspire people with my images to the same effect as his work does.

Helping bring characters to life with the help of some very hard working cosplayers makes me feel really happy. These people are the ones that make the magic happen. I just happen to be there to capture the moment and to add my own perspective.

2) In your own words how would you describe your tumblr site?   Honestly, at the moment, it's a beautiful mess. I’ve tried to keep constant content flowing through that outlet, but life had other plans to keep me busy. So now, I just take whatever feedback I get from my friends and fans on Facebook, and I usually just post the most commented / liked posts onto Tumblr. 

I didn't choose to become a cosplay photographer, but it definitely seems to work well with me, and I thoroughly enjoy it.

3) What have you and learnt about yourself whilst taking pictures? And were their any unforeseen obstacles you had to contend with along the way?   I like to think that I've become an even better 'people-person' than I was before, because of the volume of people I meet at cons and various events. And I don't believe I've had any unforeseen obstacles. I'm really lucky to have a family that supports what I do and an amazing girlfriend who deals with my strange sleep schedule, stress, crazy ideas, and all my time spent editing, Ha!

4) If your style of photography was a song, what song would it be and why?   Great question! I would have to go with Daft Punk’s “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger”. As with most art forms, you'll get that really great piece, and then you're proud of yourself for a while. But then what? Huh? Now you've got to work even harder to 'one up' your previous works. Sure you can plateau. But it’s always a climb to keep making yourself and your work better.

“Our work is NEVER OVER”.

5) What was the best convention you ever shot at?   NYCC has never let me down. I've been attending for 4 years now. This coming one will be my 5th.

I love that they changed the date from February to October in 2000, because it usually lands on my birthday. Meeting celebs and having them sign “Happy Birthday” is always a plus. The people are always great. The cosplayers bring their A-game. And it’s just a geeky good time.

6) Same question as above, but worst convention you ever shot at?   I would have to say NYCC again. Not the whole con, but on the main floor proper. It’s a not the best opportunity or place to shoot. The crowded aisles. The red carpet giving off a reddish tint to con goers. And of course, the unusual smells that it has from time to time.

7) If you could get a celebrity – either living or dead – to promote your wares, what person would you get, and why would you want to choose this particular person?   The late Mitch Hedberg. His jokes were simple, but his execution was the kicker! If you think too hard you might not be able to grasp the humor. You just have to go for the ride and realize the fun in the simple things. I would've loved to meet him and cover his tours because his energy was just so unbelievable chill and positive.

Here’s one of his jokes: 'Someone handed me a picture and said, "This is a picture of me when I was younger." Every picture of you is when you were younger. "Here's a picture of me when I'm older." Where'd you get that camera man?'.

8) During your time in this field, what piece of advice would you want to impart onto a fellow photographer?   Mistakes. They happen. Embrace them and learn from them. There’s that moment when something happens that you didn't plan, yet it makes for the best shot of the day. You go home and figure out what happened and apply it to your next shoot.

Don't stop shooting, and eventually you won't have to think so hard regarding your settings. You'll be able to get a feel for a situation and be able to handle it with ease. 

9) If you had a personal credo, what what it be?   'Keep it simple, fun, and positive. But above all, keep it moving'. You never know what you'll get to experience by being at the right place at the right time.

Well, you heard the man, dear reader. So what are you waiting for? A free film with every post? Please visit Ron Gejon Photography today. Plus don't forget to check out some of his great work on facebook, deviantart, and twitter too. Go on. It's only one click away.