In our series Behind the Scenes, artists answer questions about their creative process, philosophy, and more. This installment features Jeff Cable. See some of his work here. (Read our other exclusive interviews with artists here.)

What 5 things do you have in your studio at all times?

I have all my computer gear, a good stereo system for music, air conditioning to keep me comfortable, my dog, and my Meural frame.

Do you like to talk about your own art when it’s in progress?

I usually end up talking about my photos once they are captured and retouched. I find that I am happiest when I am creating impactful images and sharing my thought process with others. It is so much fun to share my passion.

Do you prefer to work on an empty stomach or a full one?

I hate being hungry and don’t want that to distract me when I am being creative. There is nothing worse than being “in the moment” and then having to stop for any reason.

What is one of your favorite photographs that you’ve taken?

This is one of the most difficult photos I have ever taken. I was using a slow shutter speed (1/30th sec) and panning with the zebra. I was shooting handheld while standing in a safari vehicle, trying to move my lens at the EXACT same speed of the zebra. I was able to capture the zebra’s face in focus with all four hoofs off the ground.

Show us an image that represents hat success means to you?

Taken at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. I waited at this one jump for almost an hour waiting for that one moment when everything came together. I already had the right foreground and background, but wanted the right color horse, the jockey looking my direction, wearing a red jacket.

Show us an image of yourself that makes you feel old.

I don’t have much hair left, but what is there is getting pretty grey!

What do you feel when you look at your past work?

Honestly, I have looked at my favorite images so many times that I get tired of them. It is not that they are bad photos, but I have seen them so many times that they lose much of their impact for me. This inspires me to go out and create new favorites.

What will make you feel successful?

I used to think that if I became well known in the photography community that this would make me feel successful, but that has not proven to be the case. I think that I will never feel completely successful since I never seem to be satisfied with myself and always push to be more creative.

Is it better for an artist to take herself too seriously or not seriously enough?

I am a bit of a jokester, so I never try to take myself too seriously. I think that this carefree attitude comes out in my photos. This is especially true when I am photographing people. I like to make people laugh, to get their guard down and to get them to feel more comfortable in front of my camera.

Would you rather have not enough to do with your day or too much?

I hate not being busy, and avoid down time like the plague. I used to go to the beach with my family and they could just lay down on the sand and relax. I would do that for 10 minutes and then get up and find something else to do.

What is your favorite book, song, or movie of all time and why?

I really love the movie Forrest Gump because it shows how even a simple person can achieve so much.

Describe yourself as a journalist might if they’ve only met you for five minutes.

Jeff Cable is very much a “Type A” personality, who loves the taste of success and having a good time. You can tell that he has a huge amount of passion for his craft, and is willing to share that with others.