Behind The Lens Featured Interviews Year In Review

Colton Hall is Pushing The Limits of Creativity

March 26, 2017

Meet the sleek photographer that pushes the limits of creativity, one photograph at a time.

We had a chance to interview Colton about his journey with photography while still balancing student life.

Tell us a little bit about you.

My name is Colton Hall, I am currently a full-time student and a part-time freelancer. I can’t really say what my upcoming job is, but you’ll see on my Instagram once the upcoming Major League Baseball season starts! I love to shoot people, mainly on locations so I guess you could say I’m more of an environmental portrait shooter but with that being said I also love shooting landscapes whether it be streets of Toronto or nature settings, I just love to get out and shoot.

Where is home?

I am currently living in Brampton, Ontario. It’s a suburban city located about 25 minutes from Toronto!

What brought you into photography?

When I was at Brock university studying History to become a teacher, I decided that instead of reading about history in a textbook I’d much rather be out capturing it on camera and seeing it for myself! So I hope one day I can look back at my work and feel that I have done just that.

Which camera do you use?

I shoot Nikon! I use my Nikon D750 and from time to time I’ll go back to my Nikon D610. #TeamNikon

What time of day do your prefer to shoot, night or day?

My favourite time to shoot is just before sunset, also known as the golden hour. Getting those warm tones mixed with such a great light quality makes for a great opportunity for a great image! Especially with portraits. The light is mainly coming in at a side angle which is a key component for bringing out the texture in an image so the photos come out nice and clean.

Do you go to school to study photography?

I am currently finishing my last year in College for a Creative Photography Course. I’m at Humber College here in Toronto.

How would you describe your photography style?

I feel as though my style is ever changing and always adapting. I like to keep my photos full of contrast while maintaining a very distinct color palette that allows my photos to flow nicely on my feed!

The Fox Magazine is all about inspiration, what/who inspires you the most?

I’d have to say that my family and friends are my biggest inspiration. Just having people support you and your ideas 24/7 and always helping you grow is such an inspiration to have. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for each and every single one of them.

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?

I would have to choose a wide angle lens such as the Nikon 14-24mm 2.8. Wide angles are great for landscapes and capturing the scene as a whole, but you can also get some great environmental portraits that maintain the landscape as well as offering great unique angles for capturing people too.

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?

A lot of people don’t know that in high school I was actually in a specialized Music Program. I was involved in multiple school orchestra’s and choirs and played a few instruments. I’m not a stranger to the arts haha. I actually won the Outstanding leadership award for my last two years back to back in that program.

What’s the best part of being a photographer?

The best part of being a photographer is that you get to meet so many new people that you wouldn’t normally be introduced to, making those connections and building those relationships is so key in today’s world if you want to succeed.

What’s your best advice for aspiring photographers?

Just keep shooting. The best thing you can do is keep shooting and keep up to date with new techniques to keep your photos fresh. Don’t get stuck in one place with your work, and if you end up being in a creative block – just step back from your work and take a breather. It will all work out in your favor.