My interview w/ Mentee

I had the honor of being a High School Senior mentor for their senior project. This student wanted to go to school for photojournalism and we spent time talking about the craft, her passion, and some of the technical aspects of photography. She has a great eye for composition, art and firm understanding of media. I always enjoy working with today’s youth. They have a unique way of allowing you to see yourself.

Part of this student’s project was to interview their mentor. Below is a transcript of that interview

Careers in Digital Photography:

When did you first begin your studies as a digital photographer:

1. I actually began as a kid; I was always around the arts. My mother was a model before I was born in NY and when she moved to Charlotte, she was in theater. My oldest brother was a photojournalist and there was always a camera around during family events and vacations. I guess it rubbed off on me. In high school and college, I was editor of video yearbook. I did not seriously begin to study photography until late 90s, early 2000.

Has digital photography always been your life long dream?

1. Yes, I always been involved in the arts and the ability to see express myself visually has always been the corner stone of my personality.

Who have you looked up to the most as a digital photographer?

A. I have a few photographers who work I admire but I really still look up to the film photographers. My favorite is Ansel Adams. I love his use of shadows and contrast. When I first started photography I was a nature photographer like Ansel and I attempted to replicate many of his more famous images.

What type of supervision do you receive? How often?

A. Mostly I only receive minor direction from a client in terms of what they are looking for in their images. I ask questions to gather an idea of the photo’s intended use. I then develop a template to shoot to the client’s expectations

To what extent do routines & procedures have to be followed and deadlines met?

A. Almost insistently. Delivering a project on-time is important to my clients who need the right image to meet their deadlines and important to the Bride & Groom who are anxiously waiting to see the memories from their special occasion. In addition, people expect a certain level of quality and detail when shooting with a pro photographer. You cannot show people a perfectly frame, shot, and edited photo and not expect to give them the same quality and detail for their work. Finally, my images speak for me. If I am always changing my methods and techniques you wouldn’t be able to distinguish me from any other photographer. What I choose to shoot and the methods I use to shoot it defines who I am as a photographer.

14.) How are decisions made in your company?

A. There are two overall questions I ask when deciding anything First, “how will this define me as a photographer?” What matters most to me is the message my images send, and what contribution do I make to the artform and to those who choose to hire me. Second, “how will this impact my business?”

Though I am creative in nature, I am also a businessman and understand how important it is to be reliable and responsible. My clients are my top priority; it is imperative they are fully satisfied with my performance as well as the final product.

What would be the consequence of "not getting it right on the first attempt?"

A. If I missed that perfect moment during a wedding, I would be crushed. Even if my client did not know, I would know. “Your story, My Passion” is more than just a tagline; it is a resolution.

What is the most common problem that you face in your daily work? How do you solve it?

A. Trying to stay unique and come up with original ideas what separates me from other photographers is blending styles and concepts. I don’t subscribe to one particular model of photography. I shoot and edit as an artist who has a sequence of events to share.