Interview

I interviewed Samuel Downing, a working professional in the photography field. He said his best advice to someone really interested in becoming a professional photographer, in any aspect, is to intern anywhere and everywhere. Whether it be for a magazine or a studio. Free help is always wanted and usually appreciated, and gives you the best skills. After your internship is over, you either get the job or you don't. If you do, super-cool! If not, you learned valuable lessons and you move on to the next place. Eventually you will find the field and the place you fit best and feel most suited for. That is where most likely you will form the best relationships with your co-workers and employers. Another word of advice he had for me was to remember that I won't have the perfect skills for everything and to not put other's ideas aside. Personally, I have difficulty coming up with ideas, yet I am very good at taking ideas and running with them. You have to be able to accept the fact your idea is not, will not always be the best for the situation. You have to be understanding and be able to take criticism. Criticism, as he put it, is just part of the job being an artist. Your work will not always please everyone, no matter how perfect you think it is. One of my favorite photographers, and one I strive to be like is Scott Serfas. He works for several of the top extreme sports magazines such as Transworld Snowboarding and has multiple cover shots. However, he also takes a lot of pictures in several categories such as portraits and still life.