One day my inquisitive 13-year-old daughter saw a photo on the cover of a local paper that showed a dead person in the road. It was a recent victim of the strife over in the Gaza Strip. My daughter asked me, “Daddy, why did that photographer take that picture instead of running over to help that man?” (Ah, from the mouth of babes.) I really didn’t have a great answer for her insightful question. So, I posed the question to this week’s guest, Vincent LaForet. He’s a New York editorial and commercial photographer, Pulitzer Prize winner, Canon Explorer of Light, photographer of the year New York Press Photographer’s Association, and in 2002 PDN named him one of the top 30 photographers to watch under the age of 30. Vincent has done some amazing work in Katrina and over in Afghanistan. Vincent shares with us how he was profoundly impacted by the 10 days he spent in New Orleans photographing the Katrina disaster. Vincent’s answer to my daughter’s question was very fulfilling and gives insight into the power of photography to aid a cause in its own special way. This is the first of a series of interviews with photographers who’ve gone above and beyond in contributing back to their community or society in general. Join me in this inspiring interview with an amazing artist.
Next week, be sure to have a box of tissue by your side as portrait photographer Sandy Puc’ tells us about her work with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.
Terrell Lloyd is sort of like the “Ferris Bueller” of photography. Only black. He does everything: sports, commercial, portrait, weddings, speaking, Canon Explorer of Light. And everybody loves him. Whenever I run into him at a conference, he always has a group of people around him, laughing and totally dialed in to whatever he’s saying. If you’re one of those downer types, this ain’t the interview for you. Terrell is always happy and on a high. His positive attitude and stick-to-it-tiveness has helped him accomplish much in life. In this interview Terrell talks about his trek from pro bowler on the PBA Tour (yes, I said bowler), to IT manager for Nortel, to wedding and portrait photographer, to staff photographer for the San Francisco 49ers (for over 10 years now and never has missed a game), and the first African American inducted into the Canon Explorer of Light program. That last one was a goal he proactively pursued and attained. Terrell is sure to inspire you to attain your grandest dreams.
Next week photojournalist and commercial photographer Vincent LaForet shares some amazing and moving stories from his work on Katrina and Afghanistan.
Jim Garner is what you might call a Renaissance man. Successful wedding, portrait, and commercial photographer; camera bag developer; entrepreneurial pioneer; devoted husband and father; movie star. Well, he’s not really a movie star. But he’s pretty darn close. He and his photography team produce a series of hilarious videos called “The Studio” (kind of like a photography version of “The Office”). Jim plays a narcissistic photographer who is emotionally disconnected from his team and stuck on himself. The real Jim couldn’t be further from his “Studio” character. In this interview with Jim and his wife Katarina, you’ll find a totally down to earth guy who adores his family, values his employees, and has a great outlook on his blessings in life. Jim and Katarina share with us how they started their video series, how they met, how important their team is, balancing work and personal life, and they give us their view on Jim’s recent honor as one of the Top 10 wedding photographers in the world according to American Photo Magazine. Funny. Poignant. Inspirational. This is an episode that you’ll not soon forget. (Photo by Dawn Shields).
Next week, we hear from the man that seems to be everywhere in the wedding photography world: Kenny Kim.
For your viewing pleasure, here’s Episode 5 of “The Studio.”
http://www.youtube.com/v/36P1Tjnwzhw&hl=en
René de Carufel is a man on a mission. With over 30 years experience as a commercial and portrait photographer, this French-Canadian artiste has been influenced by many photography greats. So one day he thought to himself, “Wouldn’t it be great to meet these incredible photographers and put together a book of face portraits.” So René spent two years photographing such industry giants and Gordan Parks, Arnold Newman, Albert Watson, Howard Schatz, and many, many more. One hundred to be exact. In this inspiring interview, René shares with us how he went from med school student to photographer, and his journey in creating this amazing book. Hear some great anecdotes and get an amazing insight into René’s philosophy on photography. I guarantee it will enliven your spirit.
Next week, we interview recent Top 10 wedding and portrait photographer, Boda bag creator, and star of “The Studio,” Jim Garner.
Early in his career as a photo assistant in New York, the creative director for a large client took Matthew Jordan Smith aside (he was the only African American on the set) and suggested he go to Europe first to start his career, then come back as a European. He’d be taken more seriously then. That just gave Matthew fuel to succeed. And boy, did he succeed. As one of the first five photographers sponsored by Microsoft, his clientele includes some of the top celebrities: Halle Berry, Sam Jackson, Oprah, Jeff Goldblum, Queen Latifah, Michael Jordan, his good friend Tyra Banks, and more. His commercial clients include the likes of L’Oreal and Revlon. He’s an international speaker, instructor, humanitarian, and author. In this inspiring interview, our first in a series of African American photographers, MJS talks about overcoming adversity, writing his book Sepia Dreams, shooting for the book “Lost and Found” (a book about families of missing children), and his journey as a Preacher’s Kid (PK) from South Carolina, to internationally acclaimed New York and L.A. photographer. I don’t care if you’re black, white, yellow, or purple, this interview will inspire you! (photo of Matthew by Maria Dickerson).
Next week, wedding and portrait photographer and speaker, Travis Broxton.
