A: I have no formal training other than many years of subscribing to photo training sites, reading books and watching countless hours of online training. But for me there there is no better teacher than just practicing to the point that most of the technical aspects become second nature, so when I'm shooting, I have less stress and more fun, concentrating on the creative aspects of photography.

Patrick Shipstad with Lensbaby Sweet 50

A: For me a successful photograph is one that somehow excites, inspires or makes me think. Sometimes it's very deliberate to make a photograph you have in your head, like when you've really planned out a shot and you meet or exceed your original vision. Other times the best shots are found in the unplanned moments and happy accidents. I most always try and get my initial idea successfully executed but then it's time to give myself permission to play and just see what happens. I don't care how I get a winning picture as long as I come back with something that I'm proud of. If I don't then maybe I learned something. You either are successful or you learn something!

A: Some say "gear doesn't matter" but I definitely can get inspired by a new piece of gear (i.e. a new Lensbaby!), but I think I'm mostly inspired by learning new things. Knowledge really is empowerment. So if I learn a new photography or lighting technique, or a way to do something better than the day before, it makes me want to get out there and exercise that new found technique and see how that makes me a better photographer than I was yesterday.

A: "You know, I have one simple request, and that is to have sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads!" _ Dr Evil

Patrick Shipstad with Lensbaby Twist 60

A: Definitely creative portraits of people!

A: I think I'm a little all over the place stylistically, but if I had to nail it paraphrase it, I'd say it's clean and conceptual.

A: As I mentioned before, it's when someone tells you the photo you took of them is their favorite picture of themselves. To me that means I captured their essence and how they see themselves at their best.

A: The importance of knowing how to direct and pose models correctly can not be understated. The most important thing is that they are comfortable with you and confident that you are there to make them look their best. If you can get them to laugh, open up their body language and not be nervous about being photographed, you're doing great. Just remember that they can't see what you can see, so direct them by asking them to mirror your expressions, be respectful and professional in how you pose them and it helps to show them how those changes help. I like to show them before and after shots between expressions and poses so they learn and understand why I'm directing them in certain ways. That also gives them the tools to take better photos after your shoot. They'll think of you and how you helped them understand how to always look their best in photos.

A: I've always loved using Lensbaby gear as well working with the people behind their products. It's a company that isn't afraid to veer clear of the trends and try something completely unique. No other lens company that I know of, are purposefully blazing trails in the opposite direction of "perfection". And I think they see their users as real artists that are on board with their mission to take the creative path less traveled. I'm honored to be a Lensbaby Ambassador. In all my years of shooting, if I had to give my endorsement and a heartfelt thank you to one company, it would be Lensbaby.