Hi! Hope you’re all doing well and getting in some tacos on this fine Tuesday. One of the things I’ve been meaning to do lately is post an interview series about something different from music.
And so today, I am pleased to present to everyone one of my close friends Drew as the start of my photographer series! Drew and I met during the start of a group I moderate for called Bay Area DirtyBirds (s/o to all you birds). We hit it off from the start and have since been sending it and looking for more fun!
For the readers that don’t really know you, can you give us some details of who you are are and what you do?
The name is Drew and I was born and (mostly) raised in the Bay Area. During the weekdays I work an IT job to support my hobbies.
When did you buy your first camera?
Funny story: I actually got my first camera gifted to me in January this year by my company, but I grew up using my friends gear when we would go on adventures.
How long have you been into photography? Or how long have you been doing this as your career?
I started to get interested in about 2007 when I started going boating on the Delta with some new friends. They all had nice DSLR’s to shoot us behind the boat when we would wakeskate, and I found I really enjoyed being behind the lens. Only this year have I really begun to try and get work at clubs and events to build my portfolio.
Describe the style of your photography.
Being relatively new I am still exploring all types of photography, but it has mostly been club nights or events thrown by different collectives in the house community in the city. Other than that, I have really enjoyed dabbling in landscape and night photography.
Do you mind sharing some of your best work?
I love to share! Check out my pics on Facebook here! (Hyperlink FB link)
How do you manage to get yourself out there? What kinds of social media do you use to help promote?
Facebook and Instagram are a must, and I also have a website that I publish my work to.
What has been one of your most memorable experiences?
I was invited to shoot a small festival up in Mendocino just a couple months ago and I was completely blown away by the whole experience. So many great candid moments with beautiful scenery, it was truly a magical time!
If you could work with anyone, who would it be? Why?
Hands down, Clark Little. His passion for waves is what drove his photography and I really admire that and use it as an example. I love the house music scene in San Francisco and getting to capture moments of my friends and I doing what we love is such a blessing.
One of the most difficult aspects about doing this?
Balance between getting my shots in and trying to have a good time with my friends. The scene is so much fun it can be challenging to stay focused, lots of distractions!
Do you feel like you’re constantly experiencing life through a lens?
It has gotten to the point where I feel almost naked without a camera. Capturing a moment that some might miss and getting to share my unique perspective is super rewarding.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I am really inspired by other artists, getting to see them in their element, doing what they are passionate about and capturing that.
What photographers do you look up to?
All the National Geographic photographers and surf photographers.
Do you have any cool projects in the future?
I am working on a private event that I am hoping will turn into a really great photo opportunity, so stay tuned for that collection.
Follow Drew on his journey in photography on Instagram and Facebook!
Check out Drew’s portfolio at https://home.openfilre.photography
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