Canon Master | AIPP & NZIPP Grand Master | EIZO Ambassador
Photographer, Artist & Teacher
NEW ZEALAND
https://jackieranken.co.nz/
Jackie Ranken is an Australian-born landscape art photographer with over 35 years of experience with the visual arts. A multi-award winner, Jackie has been an international awards judge since 2002. She is a Grand Master of both the Australian Institute of Professional Photography and the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography.
Jackie lives in Twizel, New Zealand, near Mount Cook National Park, and is the co-director of Creative Photography Workshops (formerly Queenstown Centre for Creative Photography NZ).
1. Tell us a little bit about your background and work in the creative space.
I am a very lucky individual who has spent her life working within the arts, being creative for clients and pursuing personal creative goals.
When I was in my twenties, I wanted to go to Art School and be an Artist. But I kept being offered work as a photographer and went down the commercial photography pathway. I’m not sure how things would be different had I taken that course, but I’ve been able to meld my artistic persuasions into our business. This venture is Creative Photography Workshops, which I run with my husband, fellow photographer (and EIZO ambassador) Mike Langford.
I’m still the person I was in my twenties, pursuing my passion for self-expression in everything I do. With over forty years of experience and learning behind me, I’m now free to do whatever I like.
2. What was your workflow like when you started, and how has it evolved?
When I started in photography, it was an analogue world of film, chemistry, and darkrooms. I found my way of expressing myself through alternate darkroom processes that allowed and celebrated the making of ‘one-off’ prints.
Today, I use a digital camera and printer, but have moved towards an alternate style of image preparation that once again turns my printed work into ‘one-off artworks’. The pre-visualisation of the final output is still important. This is where my EIZO monitor comes in, greeting me with a happy face. This workstation is my “go to” to process my files and play.
I love the more natural-looking (non-reflective) screen and the authentic colour renditions that I get. My EIZO looks after the colour, while I can get on with my artwork.
THE DECISION
3. Why did you choose EIZO monitors?
I chose EIZO because I considered them to be the cutting-edge manufacturer, and then I got the opportunity to test one myself. Beyond the monitors, I found EIZO to be more than just a company trying to sell gear. The EIZO team was passionate about their products and were keen to be a part of my business.
4. What would have happened if you had not upgraded to an EIZO monitor?
If I had not taken the decision to think objectively and upgrade my workstation, I would be behind the 8 ball.
Life is more enjoyable when the gear you have just works. I don’t have to give it a second thought. It’s the comfort of knowing I can take my gear for granted.
RESULTS
5. What EIZO monitor(s) do you use?
I use a ColorEdge CG model – it has a calibration sensor built into it.
6. What areas of your creative work do you use the monitor for?
I use it for editing my images and printmaking. To widen my screen space work area even further I have set up dual monitors on my Mac Book Pro using my older Apple Mac monitor for emails and exploring the web.
7. How has using an EIZO influenced the overall quality of your work?
Working on a monitor that I trust makes my work better, and I enjoy editing and printing more than I used to.
8. How about EIZO's after sales support?
On the rare occasions that I needed support of information, the EIZO team has been extremely responsive, friendly, and solution oriented. As I mentioned before, they are more than just a company selling gear.
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