Each month many of my photos are passed over by editors because they’re empty waves, lacking a corporate logo, or backlit leaving the rider indistinguishable. It’s frustrating, because I find myself wanting to shoot issues and moody scenes that aren’t suited for editorial, but rather art galleries. Opening night is really rewarding for me because at an exhibition I can see people’s emotional reaction to my work. Awe, fear, curiosity, elation, etc. are expressed individually or often all at once.
I took a step back and looked at all of my peers who have shot magazine work exclusively for their entire careers and then transitioned into fine art when the opportunity presented itself. But what do they have? A body of work spanning numerous decades filled with logos and commercialism. They’ve suited the purpose for the publishing company to pump out more magazines and barely keep their heads above water. Perhaps the push for art galleries should have come sooner…
I’ve already received quite a few emails stating that (aside from the swimming in the waves) I’m beyond crazy to want to leave my job at Surfer Magazine. Paid trips, insta-credibility, and most of all a monthly salary in a roller coaster industry. I’m not Vincent LaForet, but people said the same thing when he left The New York Times…and then his entire career skyrocketed. I’m leaving Primedia on good terms, and appreciate all the opportunities they gave me. Grant Ellis, JP Van Swae, Rick Irons, and the whole crew treated me like family. The world is going through a lot of changes right now. I am too; not only as a photographer, but also as a person.
The independence of being a freelancer feels amazing, I’m working on an amazing project and creating images in my own style. I’m having fun shooting again; it feels like a re-awakening. Numerous art gallery curators requested meetings with me before
Hawaii, and my postcard promo had a great response in
SoHo. This is an exciting time; thanks to all my friends and colleagues for their advice and support. I’m looking forward to the next 6 weeks in
Hawaii and the future in 2009!
I’ve already received quite a few emails stating that (aside from the swimming in the waves) I’m beyond crazy to want to leave my job at Surfer Magazine. Paid trips, insta-credibility, and most of all a monthly salary in a roller coaster industry. I’m not Vincent LaForet, but people said the same thing when he left The New York Times…and then his entire career skyrocketed. I’m leaving Primedia on good terms, and appreciate all the opportunities they gave me. Grant Ellis, JP Van Swae, Rick Irons, and the whole crew treated me like family. The world is going through a lot of changes right now. I am too; not only as a photographer, but also as a person.
