Urban Mainstream
Sept 2010
UM: What got you started in the business?
WW: My background is in graphic design and mixed media painting, which led to the use of photos in my work. I eventually got passionate about photography as a pure form and have not painted since. Painting is a solo act, but photography gets you out in the world, which I love… I learned quickly while focusing on various shoots with NYC musicians, artists, and models. My photography business started taking on a life of it’s own and keeps growing.
UM: What are some of your challenging moments?
WW: There are a lot of variables to juggle when shooting; lighting, sets, locations, timing, differing personalities; just to name a few. Each shoot has it’s own energy. Usually it’s magic, but sometimes the chemistry just isn’t there, or something is missing and you have to make it work. Improvising is just another aspect of creativity.
UM: What motivates you stay in the business?
WW: My love for the process as well as the final image keeps me going. I am happiest when I’ve put a shoot together and can see the vision come to life.
UM: Who and or What are some of your inspirations?
WW: 20th Century art and design, fashion, cinema, album cover photos I grew up with, music, nature, street art, and countless photographers and models; some famous, some down the street.
UM: Is it difficult to have a stable relationship in this business?
WW: Good communication and integrity are what keep any relationship stable, whether it’s with your clients, your colleagues, or in your personal life. That goes for any type of business, in my opinion.
UM: What are some of your accomplishments you'd like to speak about?
WW: Outside of conventional accomplishments like coming out of a challenging school [RISD] with honors, I’m most happy with the collaborations I’ve worked on with other creative people, repeat photography clients, and seeing the achievements of the art and design students I taught and mentored in the past. Aside from accolades and milestones in life, it’s our successful connections with other people that matter most.
UM: What do you bring that is unique to the industry?
WW: My combination of a formal fine arts background and professional digital design experience offers a well-rounded vision, I believe. I also care a lot about the essence of my subjects, so I work with them to bring it out. My favorite p Dennis Stock taught that a photo should be "51% subject and 49% photographer"... I agree that the photo should be about the subject and concept and not the photographer’s ego…. I’m also very inspired by beauty in all kinds of faces; I seek out diversity and try to stay away from the status quo.
UM: What are your views concerning Urban Mainstream magazine?
WW: I think it’s unique as it celebrates fashion and beauty while having a strong eye toward diversity, spirit, and consciousness. I love that combination and believe we need a lot more of it.
UM: Why did you agree to do the interview?
WW: Because of the points made in the previous question about UM, and to be honest, in this current economy we can all use a little exposure! I am glad to contribute and I do this interview with gratitude.
UM: How would you best describe your creative energy or flow?
WW: I have a cycle of inspiration I listen to. When I’m inspired, I can’t work fast enough to get the vision out. The hours fly by and it doesn’t seem like work. But with output there always needs to be input, so at those times I slow down and take time to research, network, learn, walk, and look. I go back to the street with my camera and just shoot for texture, motion, and interesting moments.
UM: What advice do you have for others trying to make a name in this business?
WW: It’s important to realize how drastically the industry has changed, even in the last couple of years. It’s harder to make a living, so I’d advise to start part time and be mindful of the redefined industry and struggling economy. (I still work as a designer!) Everyone has a camera in their pocket these days so it’s harder to stand out and make a living. Even major publications are grabbing citizen shots for free, and micro-stock agencies are selling photos for as little as a dollar. Hang onto the day job and just keep shooting; get better and do your thing, It’s tougher, but it’s still possible to make a name. Anything is possible with intention and a few reality checks along the way.
UM: What kind of mentality does it take for you to survive in this business?
WW: The challenge of any creative person is to nurture the creative flow and also be persistent at marketing, networking, and money management. And, unlike other art forms, if you are photographing people, then being a people person is key. People have to want to work with you. Word spreads fast whether positive or negative.
UM: What were your dreams growing up regarding what you would become once an adult?
WW: Simple: I wanted to be a visual artist from day one.
UM: Top 3 things for new people in the industry to be careful or mindful of?
WW: Like I said everyone has a camera in their pocket so you have to make it count.
1. Learn from the ground up and develop your eye; not just the techy stuff, but the elements of art and design, as well. Your point of view is more important than the kind of camera you have… Clement Mok said ‘The music ain’t in the piano’ and I think this goes for photography too!
2. Simply taking a picture of something pretty doesn’t make a great photograph, that’s documentation. We all need to be honest with ourselves: Are we just documenting or are we really capturing a unique moment or creating a constant vision?
3. Never stop learning. Go to workshops, seminars, exhibits of works past and present. I’ve seen exquisite photographers in their 80’s still taking notes and shooting for that perfect ‘decisive moment’. There is always more to learn, especially as technology advances and the possibilities increase.
UM: Have you ever been scammed and if so tell us your experience and what was your resolution?
WW: I can’t say I’ve been ‘scammed’ per se, but have had my share of flakes… Otherwise, it’s all been good.