Hermie is one of those dudes that you have to like. I’ve known him for at least 9 years, and have yet to hear a single bad thing about him. Not only is he likable, his photography skills are on point too. He’s shot almost every single photo for us (Primitive), so I know first hand that the guy is a champ to work with.

1. What's your full name?

- German Tito Jimenez Jr. Trust me I've heard it all so I just simplified it to Herman when it comes to my photo work. German was just always pronounced wrong. Then again I can always go with Tito as an artist name. Ha

2. Where were you born?

-Northridge, CA



3. How did you get into photography?

-I was about to graduate high school and tried to apply for Film school in hopes of being a director. That plan fell apart. My interests of skateboarding, film, and art naturally lead me to enroll into college to study photography. I also tied in my dad's passion of always taking photos of us on family trips. It helped me just be that more stoked on it.

4. What do you like shooting better... Beautiful female models, or skateboarders?

-HA, well I think both have their perks. Shooting models is always fun because of the more relaxed environment. It always seems like a mini production, which I really get hyped on. Plus, when shooting models you have set locations, so you don't have to drive all over the place. Although, shooting skateboarding was one of the main reasons I picked up a camera in the first place. No one day is ever the same as the next, and I think thats what makes skateboarding so rad. Every time I go out and shoot skateboarding its definitely another adventure to add to the book. Plus, I dig hanging out with friends, and some of them are skaters I've always looked up to and admired. So I probably say skateboarding.



5. I notice that your skin is brown... Are you Mexican?

-Yup. my mom and dad are from Mexico. I'm Mexican even though I get confused for being Filipino. My mom's little eyes got passed down to me or something, I dont know. HA!
6. Regular or Goofy?

-Regular



7. In my opinion, your lighting tactics are off the chain. How did you master it? Was it all trial and error?

-I think just by being so enthused when I would see photographs with awesome lighting. It sparked my curiosity enough to just start asking mad questions. I actually got a lot of help from other photographers. When I started I would just email dudes asking questions and always would get helpful tips to improve. I guess once you get into the photo world you realize how photographers really just nerd out on photos so they can talk about it all the time. Everyone is so into it that they're willing to lend helpful tips to get you going. Plus, I kind of got mentored by Shad Lambert. I would bug that dude about all sorts of things. Gotta thank that dude major for that! Then, school obviously helped me out by getting a greater understanding of things. I think me being so obsessed just drove me to research and try things out. So it was a little trial error, but a whole lot of researching and studying lighting a lot.



8. Taco Bell or Del Taco?

-If I have to eat at either of those, probably Del Taco because their meat looks like meat, not like sloppy joe tacos. Ha

9. Who is the most well-known celebrity you've worked with?

Jason Lee, and Paul probably. Hopefully more names will be added to the list soon.



10. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?

-Im more of a cup and spoon type of guy. Lol.

11. Do you have a favorite photo?

-I dont know. As of so far I don't. I think I have photos I really like that I've shot, but not an overall favorite. Maybe I will someday in my photo career.



12. What's the first thing you wash in the shower?

-My smelly belly button. Lol jk

13. Our phone numbers are so similar, it's bewildering. Do you ever get calls that are intended for me?

-Actually it's happened a couple of times. I should just pretend to be you, handle some primitive business, and have some orders sent to my house. Just kidding. That is pretty funny though.



14. What's your favorite color gummy bear?

-Probably Orange

15. What is a goal you would like to accomplish in the near future?

-Have my own successful business, specifically a photography studio. I definitely am working towards hopefully becoming a great photographer like yousef karsh or those great photographers from back in the day that left a great legacy of art. Hopefully I'll get the chance to shoot more portraits of interesting people and become a good artist. Thats definitely the overall goal.



16. Could you ever forgive a cheater?

-Probably not.

17.Studio or natural outdoor setting?

-Studio

18. Can you take off a bra with one hand?

-I got those skills. Shutter fingers got mad talent. Ha.

19. Kobe or Lebron?

-Kobe puts on epic shows, but I think I dig Lebron more.



20. Any last words?

-Thanks for the honor of having chosen me to interview man. 2010 here we come.

Well there ya' have it folks. I hope you enjoyed! Be sure to check out Herman's website : www.hermanjshots.com
-Andy Netkin


Primitive
17060 Ventura Blvd
Encino, CA 91316
818.479.7171
www.primitiveshoes.com