MEET. George Craig

Meet Texas-based photographer and fine-art printer George Craig. George was the 2024 Best in Show winner for APA LA’s Off the Clock photo exhibition and one of the top Untitled finalists in 2020. He began his photography journey capturing images during surf trips to Mexico in the 1960s. He holds a Bachelor’s in Photojournalism from the University of Texas, School of Communications.

Do you have a favorite podcast?
When we do road trips, for which there are many, my wife and I choose podcasts according to where we are headed, so they are always something to do with the history or the geography of the area we are touring.

What 3 words best describe your photography style?
Simplistic…Abstract…Graphic

What inspires you?
Found objects and scenes in nature and the natural world. As I am not as involved in the corporate work as much as the fine art part of photography, my vision starts with what I can see…what I find while out in the world, and then try to capture that in my shooting style.

What’s your favorite thing about being a photographic artist?
Using the tools and techniques that I have accumulated over the years. From the commercial side of my work, I was a storyteller. I try to do the same with my artwork and let the image, or series of images tell the viewer the how and why they are meaningful.

When you aren’t making photographs, what other pastimes do you have?
At present, I am doing more printing than shooting. I have a huge inventory of color and b&w film that I have shot over the past 50 years. Going back and finding new images that were overlooked in the first round of selection is very exciting. Utilizing modern technologies to scan and print images that I had never thought of when they were captured, is like being back there again in that moment.

Who have been your biggest influences?
Henri Cartier-Bresson for photography, my father for doing business, Lewis Portnoy for involving me in the world of sports photography before auto focus and automatic cameras. The tools and methods I learned to shoot fast-moving objects/people helped me immensely to look at and be prepared for anything I see through the viewfinder.

What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out?
My father who has been in the advertising business most of his career, said to NOT work for Ad Agencies…work directly with the client/customer/designer. You will have better communication and feedback about the project, and you will ultimately get paid quicker.

What are the current challenges that you face as photographers and artists?
With the over-saturation of imagery…tv, internet, social media etc, the viewer is overwhelmed with visual stimuli. It is my (our) duty to educate the prospective clientele we are after, as to what is good and why.

Of course art is appreciated by the eye of the beholder, and we (I) have to create images that strike a chord with the viewer. I can’t reach everyone, but those that I do make the difference to me in their appreciation.

What have been some of the highlights and challenges of your career so far?
Most of all, meeting some of my musical heroes, Sonny Rollins, Johnny Cash, Linda Rondstadt, BB King, James Brown, Vicente Fernandez…being on tour with ZZ TOP, Clint Black, Asleep at the Wheel to name a few, that was the fun part. Most of my work was within the corporate sector, primarily within three divisions, industrial, healthcare, and education. 90% was in locations scattered over the world. Meeting and learning about nano-science from the individuals themselves, the discoveries of new ways to fight diseases, and the dedication that educators, scientists, and researchers have to their craft was so inspiring to me in my small world of telling their story with photography.

What were you doing before you became a photographer?
I have really never done any other type of work. In college I worked in a commercial darkroom that specialized in large b&w murals…some for advertising, but most work was for interior design/office or museum decoration. We printed one mural that was 16′ tall, and 42′ wide. Old school ways that taught me how to be a better printer, which I still enjoy doing today. I have had a darkroom in my home or studio since the 1970s and find the practice of analogue printing very satisfying, spending minutes and hours producing an image, and not just seconds at the computer.

If you weren’t a Photographer, what would you be doing?
Building something…I have built, from the ground up, three different studios, two different homes, and remodeled all the others that I have inhabited. Our current home was designed by me, and I did all the interior build-out and finishes as well…I like to keep busy with my hands. Currently I am helping my sister build her home out near ours, a 3,000 sqft mid-century modern design.

What do you do when you get stuck?
We live out in the countryside, so just sitting out in the morning, watching the sunrise over the Guadalupe River Valley where I can see for miles with very little noise except for birds and other native animals waking up to the day as well. I get to reflect on the peace and quiet

I have so many projects going on, from building, to digital printing, to darkroom work, so there is always something else to turn to and get a change of perspective and let the “stuck” idea have a rest.

What is your best advice for your peers?
Be a part of the photographic community. As a lifetime member of ASMP and an almost 10-year veteran of APA, join with your fellow creatives at your local and national meetings. We had monthly ASMP gatherings, and although these members are your competition, sharing stories, both good and bad, helped me to strive to become better in my craft, and never think that you know it all or have done it all … there is always something new to discover if you open up your eyes and your mind.

What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back 10 years? 20 years?
I have been working on my fine art photography over the past 10 years, and should have been looking closer at competitions (like the APA untitled/Off the Clock/Something Personal) that were focused on the “creative” or personal work. There are many opportunities, through galleries and groups, to present and show the personal work that all of us have. Eventually the commercial work will end, but the process of being creative will remain and these alternative outlets will be the key to remaining and working on personal photographic projects.

20 years ago, with commercial work still in full swing, I should have been more proactive with my capabilities with Drone and Motion photography. I hired third parties to help with those work streams, and if I had done the homework and educated myself in those areas, I would have been able to offer clients a wider range of capture capabilities. Of course, my argument was to keep focused on what I knew the best, still photography, but one cannot predict the future and see how diluted the market would become, forcing rates to fall, and the acceptability of great photography to diminish as well. I am speaking personally on this issue … but when a client tells me (about 20 years ago) that he did not need to send me out to a specific location because … ‘our employee Bob can get a shot of this site with his cell phone that will work…’

Check out more work from George Craig.

MEET. Lisa Miller

Meet La Jolla based fine-art photographer and APA member, Lisa Miller. Lisa’s work employs tone and shadow to distill complex details to their essence.

What 3 words best describe your photography style?
Precise, nostalgic, moody.

What inspires you?
I am inspired by other photographs. I enjoy looking at the works of famous photographers from the past as well as images I see in current media. The beauty of the natural world is a constant inspiration. While in Iceland recently, I was overwhelmed by its simplicity and magnificence.

What’s your favorite thing about being a photographic artist?
I think photography makes you look at the world more closely. It makes you more attentive to your surroundings as you see compositions, patterns of light, interesting people or chance juxtapositions.

When you aren’t making photographs, what other pastimes do you have?
I enjoy cycling, walking, travel, reading, visiting museums, and working with underserved teens through my Rotary club.

Who have been your biggest influences?
Artists such as Rembrandt, Salgado, Kertész and Sam Abell. I took one of Sam’s workshops in the late ’90s. Recently I attended another one. It was fun to see him again and learn from him after all these years.

What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out?
Shoot what you like. You don’t have to pigeon-hole yourself or stick to a niche. I love still life photography, but the advice has encouraged me to pursue street photography and landscapes, which I also enjoy.

What have been some of the highlights and challenges of your career so far?
I have enjoyed having my work displayed in galleries and in international contests. Another highlight has been the opportunity to meet and interact with people involved in photography. They’ve provided different perspectives and insights that I’ve learned from. I find it challenging when my work is evaluated within certain paradigms. I have decided to make photographs that I like, even if they “break the rules.”

What were you doing before you became a photographer?
I was a pediatric orthopedic surgeon.

If you weren’t a Photographer, what would you be doing?
I am retired so I would probably be doing something else I really enjoy.

What do you do when you get stuck?
If I get stuck processing a certain image, I move on to another one or take a break. I think I’m fortunate that I don’t have to produce work under a deadline or for a certain customer. It allows me to be creative and make something I like.

What is your best advice for your peers?
Make images that appeal to you. Also, seek out critiques of your images and don’t be too sensitive about criticism. If you don’t like what a judge said, reconsider it a few days later. Most people are just trying to help and if you are too sensitive, you likely won’t improve as quickly as you could. Set goals for yourself. That keeps you striving to improve.

What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back 10 years? 20 years?
Take more time off to enjoy photography.

What is a photographer’s role now that technology has made it so much more accessible to the masses?
Photographers can teach the public the principles of how to “read” a photograph. While any given photograph may appeal to someone, there are basic principles that make a “good” photograph, whether it be composition, storytelling, etc. The more the public understands these principles, the more they are likely to enjoy photography and make images that others appreciate.

Check out more work from Lisa Miller.

MEET. Jennifer Curry Wingrove

Meet San Diego-based photographer and director, Jennifer Curry Wingrove. Jennifer was also the Untitled People’s Choice recipient in 2023.

Do you have a favorite podcast?
I do not. I tend to take online courses of interest rather than listen to podcasts.

What 3 words best describe your photography style?
Dynamic, Vibrant, and sometimes Whimsical

What inspires you?
Spectacular productions, breathtaking landscapes, expressive dancers, music that speaks to the soul, nature, and a good cup of coffee.

What’s your favorite thing about being a photographic artist?
Bringing joy and awe to my clients and audience alike. Photography also gives me an opportunity to create and express my artistic self, which is important to me as I am a retired dancer and no longer have the ability to express myself through movement. I also get the opportunity to teach and mentor in the photography world, which I love!

When you aren’t making photographs, what other pastimes do you have?
I love traveling the world! When I am at home, I enjoy Pilates, plants, and my adorable fur babies!

Who have been your biggest influences?
I will never forget receiving a postcard with an image of 2 dancers on it taken by the incomparable Lois Greenfield, who started her Dance Photography adventures back in the 70’s. I was 12 at the time, and put the black and white postcard on my vanity mirror. I started collecting more of her work, including a book that I recently had signed by Lois herself when I had the opportunity to take a dance photography course from her at a dance photography conference. I was giddy to meet her and learn from her. Other influences include Ken Browar and Deborah Ory, who created the NYC Dance Project, a photography project that combines dance and fashion. Rachel Neville is also in New York creating inspiring and dynamic images of dancers. I had the opportunity to take a few courses from her, and she inspired me to open up my own photography studio. And let’s not forget the iconic Joe McNally, who I had the incredible opportunity to model for. His books are full of valuable information as well as a great sense of humor.

What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out?
Take risks – push through your vulnerabilities. Every famed artist started at the beginning!

What are the current challenges that you face as a photographer?
In a world where phone camera technology has developed so incredibly, many people see no need for commercial portrait photography. All of a sudden everyone is a “Photographer”. Keeping a photography studio business alive is a huge challenge these days, and one I am personally trying to overcome.

What have been some of the highlights and challenges of your career so far?
So many highlights! Becoming a specialized dance photographer has brought many fun opportunities my way – including a current contract that has me touring worldwide with an organization called Youth America Grand Prix, which has been described as the “Olympics of Ballet”. I photograph the performing dancers from the wings, which is a very comfortable and familiar perspective for me as a retired Ballerina. The tour also includes photographing famous ballet dancers in Gala Performances at the Lincoln Center in NYC as well as stages in Italy, Paris, and Barcelona. Challenges? As stated above, maintaining a brick-and-mortar studio when rent is can be overwhelming.

What were you doing before you became a photographer?
I was a professional ballet dancer, and even earned the title of “Ballerina” with the California Ballet Company here in San Diego. Ballet was my everything. My mother was the dance photographer for the company for many years, so I had the opportunity to shadow her and learn film photography and processing. I grew up with a darkroom in my garage! Dance photography was a natural transition for me after retirement.

If you weren’t a Photographer, what would you be doing?
If I was not a photographer (and had an unlimited source of income) I would be Producing and Directing shows!! I have successfully produced, directed, choreographed, and performed in 4 award-winning full length aerial-dance shows, and LOVED it. However, finances (and Covid) resulted in me stepping away from such adventures and further focusing my energies and attention into my photography business.

What do you do when you get stuck?
I reach out – to mentors, to friends, to community. Others see things differently than I do, and can often offer a different perspective that I may have missed. Also, I go see shows (photography, dance, theater), and those always get my creative juices flowing again.

What is your best advice for your peers?
To do the same – stay connected to a community that resonates with your craft. See other people’s work. Ask questions. Keep exploring. Keep learning.

What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back 10 years? 20 years?
Stop worrying so much about what other people think.
Take risks.
Don’t give up when things don’t go as planned.
Trust your instincts.
Find play in work.
Value friendships and relationships deeply.

What is a photographer’s role now that technology has made it so much more accessible to the masses?
To bring creativity and value to the table. To create experiences with their clientele.

Check out more work from Jennifer Curry Wingrove.

MEET. Annie Omens

Meet San Diego-based photographer and APA member, Annie Omens. Annie is a photographic and mixed media artist who explores the natural world with a conscious perception of what is hidden, what is known, and how nature impacts the human psyche.

What 3 words best describe your photography style?
Detailed, mystical, layered.

What inspires you?
I am inspired by nature and am always challenged to reveal what might be hidden beneath the surface.

What’s your favorite thing about being a photographic artist?
I enjoy working with mixed media but love the immediacy of photography.

When you aren’t making photographs, what other pastimes do you have?
I love riding horses and walking my dogs in nature.

Who have been your biggest influences?
In college, my teacher, Fred Endsley influenced me by “seeing me” and encouraging me. Currently, Aline Smithson has inspired and supported me as a mentor.

What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out?
Be yourself and keep going (don’t quit).

What are the current challenges that you face as a photographer?
For me, learning and keeping up with social media is challenging.

What have been some of the highlights and challenges of your career so far?
The challenge has always been the business part- writing, marketing, and social media. A recent highlight has been being part of a collective of women photographers and showing with them nationally.

What were you doing before you became a photographer?
Wondering how to make a living in photography. Haha. I was considering graduate school. I was substitute teaching in a public school system, and then assisting a big-name photographer. I was getting little jobs in photography that wet my appetite, putting me on a path of knowing what I wanted to do. I just didn’t know how to get there. Being an assistant opened up my eyes to the business of photography, and sort of pointed me in a direction.

If you weren’t a Photographer, what would you be doing?
I have been a fine artist my whole life, and since that did not pay the bills, and, I loved to travel, I worked as a flight attendant for many years.

What do you do when you get stuck?
Don’t force anything, take a break.

What is a photographer’s role now that technology has made it so much more accessible to the masses?
It’s important to understand what a good photograph is in artistic terms. Knowing about composition, color, or tone, line, scale, texture, light, etc., allows you to convey what you want to express with the most impact.

In response to the current technology, in the fine art world, there seems to be a return to alternative methods of photography by going back to film and crafting an image physically by hand instead of on the computer. It’s also exciting to see how photographers are redefining what a photograph is by printing on different substrates, and displaying them in unique ways or working with mixed media.

Check out more work from Annie Omens.

MEET. Eric O’Connell

Meet Texas-based photographer, Eric O’Connell, who specializes in advertising and corporate photography. Eric works with clients ranging from Oracle, Microsoft, Wired, Ritz Carlton and more. “My work highlights the heroic, the relatable the contrasts and contradictions in our humanness.”

Do you have a favorite podcast?
Not a favorite per se, but I like several. I generally gravitate towards either a quick, one-off story, or a longer story spread out over several episodes. In no particular order: WTF with Marc Maron, The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling (from The Freepress) – I recently listened to this, and it’s fascinating. Freakonomics, and RadioLab are always interesting. Some photography-related podcasts I have in my feed: Storytelling for Change; The Messy Truth; Dear Art Producer.

What 3 words best describe your photography style?
Moody, Relatable, Direct (honest)

What inspires you?
The heroic in the everyday person; subliminal contrasts; the forgotten, or those with no voice.
Lighting inspires me. Crafting with light. Learning.

What’s your favorite thing about being a photographic artist?
I love that the camera, and this career, has been a key to other worlds I would not normally be allowed to see, or experience. I love that I get to learn about so many different people and places. I am also a fan of the collaboration that happens, especially with commercial photography.

When you aren’t making photographs, what other pastimes do you have?
Cycling is probably #1. Mountain biking and road biking and city biking and … all bicycling.
Also, eating well, and cooking. I love cooking. Hiking and camping.

Who have been your biggest influences?
I am continually influenced on a daily basis by those around me, some having nothing to do with photography, per se. Photographic influences seem to crop up when I least expect them. Perhaps I take a photo, and want this or that in the photo, only later discovering a photo in history that had some similar characteristics that, at the time, I hadn’t thought about. Lasting influences seem to be hidden in the subconscious somewhere. I can point to influences in lighting (Albert Watson), ideas (the design group Hipgnosis), structure and craft (Irving Penn), nature and storytelling (Michael Nichols), beauty, stillness, landscape (Michael Kenna), black and white stark printing and use of negative space and wide angle (Bill Brandt).

What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out?
I was told to take 2 weeks, use some particular gear (whatever I had), and shoot everyone you know. At the end of that time period I had a portfolio that looked like one person’s vision and that is what I took to NY City and got my first jobs.

What are the current challenges that you face as a photographer?
The ever-shifting technological landscape makes it hard to locate where photography fits within. Getting simple jobs––an actor’s headshot, for example––used to be a little “bread and butter.” But, with the democracy of who can take a photo, what people expect to pay is far less––sometimes not even worth it. AI, and any new technologies always present a challenge. How to work with and use them?

What have been some of the highlights and challenges of your career so far?
There are so many highlights, and challenges. As a kid I lusted after hot rod cars; had debates whether driving a funny car, or a dragster would be a better experience (dragsters always won for me). I looked at magazines filled with images of ‘top fuel’ racing. Later, as a photographer, I had the perfect job: Shoot a drag racer for Silhouette Eyewear (who drives a dragster!). That kind of thing has always been a highlight that only photography could bring about.

As a photographer, I’ve had to reconcile what making images in this time means, and how they are translated across media. For example, my 9/11 images, though striking and moving, and coming out of a photojournalism perspective (I have a degree in photo-j), made me question what I was doing as an advertising and (at the time) editorial photographer. That event alone shook my foundations and made me question my role as one who makes photos to sell something to someone. I questioned whether it was worth it or not. Instead, was it better to take photos that talk about how I see the world? Unfortunately, at that time, my view of the world post 9/11 was cynical, and, for example, looking at a polluted waterway (I did a small personal project on Newtown Creek, the most polluted waterway in the United States) wasn’t something that got me work through my normal channels. I didn’t know where to look, or how to find my own relevance in doing something that I was trying to make a political statement with. The challenge for me is finding what I want to say, and finding a way to say it.

That reflection has made me reflect and pursue some other projects––artistic projects––and led me to Germany and Europe to take a look at different cultures with my Cowboys: East Germany project. That project opened up a new world for me. It also made me realize that part of my process of growing and evolving led me to teaching at a university. Sharing my experiences and knowledge to a new generation has been fulfilling.

If you weren’t a Photographer, what would you be doing?
Making images, or art of some sort. It’s hard to say. Perhaps journalism (which now has its own set of problems), or most likely anthropology (cultural) because I like being out and about in the world and looking at how people live, work, play, etc. Some act of discovery in whatever form that is, is what I would be engaged in.

What do you do when you get stuck?
Reach out to my tribe, my friends, my books, new ideas, art… it’s an active process to become unstuck. Take photos, and let my mind go.

What is the best advice for your peers?
People will hire you for your vision and your POV. Believe in it, and stick to it.

What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back 10 years? 20 years?
Save money. Learn about business practices. Set up your photography business like a business. Believe in your vision then, and go for it! (Otherwise, you’ll get lost).

What is a photographer’s role now that technology has made it so much more accessible to the masses?
Technology frames the urgency to produce imagery that creates genuine human emotion, instead of something that you prompt into place.

Check out more work from Eric O’Connell.

MEET. Matt Furman

Meet San Diego-based Commercial and Editorial photographer, Matt Furman, who specializes in corporate, sports and editorial portraiture. Matt was also an Untitled 2023 finalist for his 75th anniversary cover image for San Diego Magazine.

Do you have a favorite podcast?
Not really, I mainly listen to music and some sports radio.
I do have a great Spotify playlist for shoots though – ‘The Goldmark’ – made by my friend DJ Nugget and it’s a perfect upbeat mix with all types of genres. I shuffle it on most shoots and always get compliments.

What 3 words best describe your photography style?
Authentic, Sincere, Poignant

What inspires you?
I find I get inspired when I put myself in a setting or situation that’s out of my comfort zone. Travel helps, but not necessary – basically anything that scares me a little, typically leads to good things.

What’s your favorite thing about being a photographic artist?
Meeting people from all walks of life. I’m really all over the place with my work and I try to not take it for granted how cool that is at times. That can also be one of the hardest things too though, constantly starting from scratch and working with people you just met. I love it, but it can be daunting at times.

When you aren’t making photographs, what other pastimes do you have?
Since I’ve moved to San Diego, it’s been surfing and an obsession with golf.

Who have been your biggest influences?
Such a broad question, I’ll narrow it down to photography and specifically one, and that’s Bruce Davidson I saw his book East 100th Street in a bookstore and it made me want to be a photographer.

What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out?
Shoot everything, even if it’s been done before. And when I was starting out most people were saying the opposite, that you had to find a niche and stick to that. But why pigeon hole yourself? Keep exploring.

What are the current challenges that you face as a photographer?
Getting face time with clients, photo editors, and art directors. I love getting a coffee and showing some work to creatives, and these days feels like that’s a foreign concept or people just don’t have the time. And I’m not a fan of zoom calls.

What were you doing before you became a photographer?
Floundering in college.

What do you do when you get stuck?
Trying out a different camera, a drone, underwater housing, or just going and shooting some street photography, portrait of a friend, etc. You’d be surprised how you happen upon something that sparks that magic.

What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back 10 years? 20 years?
Learn to edit your work better.

What is a photographer’s role now that technology has made it so much more accessible to the masses?
The key role for a photographer is to have a distinct point of view. It’s gotta be true to you – not what you think people are going to like, or whatever the hot new trend is.
Once you have that dialed in, I don’t think the tech matters all that much and who has access to it.

Check out more work from Matt Furman.

MEET. Blue Wesley

Today we feature work from photographer, Blue Wesley, for our Meet a Member interview. Blue is a commercial, lifestyle, aerial, and water photographer who won ‘Best of Show’ for the 2023 APA Awards.

Do you have a favorite podcast?
Radiolab: from tree to shining tree

What 3 words describe your photography style?
Vibrant, natural, exploratory

What inspires you?
Travel in general, islands, cities, people overcoming obstacles, wildlife, art, and music.

What’s your favorite thing about being a photographic artist?
It doesn’t really feel like a job, even though I’ve made it my career. I just can’t (picture) doing anything else. I like how you can dream up an image before you even touch the camera. IT’s all about what you want to create inside the mind and using the elements that inspire you to create it in real life.

When you aren’t making photographs, what other pastimes do you have?
Surfing, fishing, hanging with orange cats, hunting for a stellar açai bowl, or just cruising around town checking out beaches in San Diego.

What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out?
As long as you do it everyday, you will be good. -Jim Daly

What are the current challenges that you face as a photographer?
Curation. I’m always trying to slim down my archive of old shoots. My body of work is tapping out at about 20 terabytes of RAW files or 2-300,000 images that I keep on hard drives. Could I ever even slim this down to just 1000 photos? No way. I’ve found that if you don’t look at a shoot for a few years, the images you favorited then are not the ones you would select again, and the ones you kind of passed over may grab your attention. As we develop as creators, our visual taste changes, so I try to hold onto a good amount of raw files from each shoot in case I wasn’t to do a new curation and re-edit. Try it!

What have been the highlights and challenges of your career so far?
Highlights: I got to shoot a magazine cover with surf legend Rob Machado in the water at his home break at Swamis, Encinitas, California.

Challenges: The ebbs and flows of freelance life can be interesting to navigate. When you don’t have many projects certain times of the year, the mind can wander, but you have to stay on the path and find ways to forward your momentum with the time you have not shooting. When you are slammed with projects, it’s nice to have a break. So who knows?

What were you doing before you became a photographer?
I got a Bachelor in Arts in Geography from UC Santa Barbara, which I never used, and my wife jokes that she’s never seen my diploma. Not sure where that is. In college, I worked at Four Seasons Hotels and then was a busser and waiter at fine-dining steakhouse until I made my move!

If you weren’t a Photographer, what would you be doing?
Musician, I played guitar with some of my best friends in a blues reggae band at UCSB. We were pretty sick.

What do you do when you get stuck?
Get off the computer, get outside, move, breath, exercise, travel, take a road trip, get into nature, surf, I always come back feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and ready to take on a new project with a fresh sense creative energy.

What is your best advice for your peers?
Stick with it, there’s a lot of pressure out there to be the best, to create something EPIC, post something VIRAL, and EVERYDAY. It’s a lot. Try to put horse blinders on and stay focused on being grateful for your own epic experiences, whatever they may be, instead of being worried about what others are doing.

If you don’t hit the milestones you set for yourself, it’s all good, we aren’t meant to always do everything exactly to plan, so keep your head down and keep on plugging away, whatever your goals are.

What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back 10 years? 20 years?
1. WHO you know is important. Foster relationships. Any day you could meet someone that could change your career life in a massive way. Keep your eyes and ears open and if there’s a person that can open some doors for you, introduce yourself and let them know what you are all about. If people don’t know what your goals are, they can’t help you.

2. There are times when doing free work is necessary. If it builds value in your portfolio, do it for free, 9 out of 10 times, they’ll book you later on paid work or refer you to someone for something bigger!

3. Team up with others. Clients will trust you more if it seems like you work on a team. And the other team members will propel you to strive to grow together. It’s a synergistic energy that is really hard to have by yourself.

What is a photographer’s role now that technology has made it so much more accessible to the masses?
I read that more digital images are captured every single day than the entire collection of analog film photographs in its 150 year history. In One day. Think about that. Pretty wild. But it goes one step further, now that AI has entered the picture, it’s important that we keep our images as authentic as possible because at one point there maybe more artificial images than real photographs, and then the history record of how things looked and actually were will be skewed for future generations.

Check out more work from Blue Wesley.

MEET. Oriana Poindexter

Meet APA member Oriana Poindexter, a photographer and marine scientist focused on the intersection of art, science, and marine natural resources.

What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the beauty of nature, and specifically, the marine environment. I’ve always seen photography as a tool with which I can go explore the natural world, find something interesting or beautiful, and document it in a way that allows me to share that find with others.

What’s your favorite thing about being a photographic artist?
For me, photography is best when an element of chance is allowed to participate with the technology, whether in analog chemical form or digitally. The technological aspect allows us to capture moments of the natural world, but what makes it truly interesting for me is when a chance element is introduced – light behaving in an unexpected way, a surprising composition caused by a subject’s movement, or when hand-printing, the little accidents that can happen in the process that are sometimes frustrating and other times magical.

When you aren’t making photographs, what other pastimes do you have?
If I’m not making photographs, I’m probably thinking about it! I have a large mental list of photographs that ‘got away’ – images that I saw when unprepared to capture them. I spend as much time as I can in the ocean, surfing, free diving, scuba diving or just swimming, and enjoy getting lost in a good book.

Who have been your biggest influences? What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out?
Emmet Gowin was my photography professor when I was an undergrad at Princeton University, and was hugely influential on my studies, my worldview, and the path I’ve taken since then. He quietly nudged students to explore and experiment, to follow intuition and curiosity, and to make luminous prints. There was lots of good advice along the way – you’re going to waste paper learning to print well; watch the edges of the image while composing; look in order to see.

What are the current challenges that you face as a photographer?
The non-photographic aspects of operating as an independent small business owner are challenging to manage! It’s a balancing act to figure out how to set aside enough time to create but still feel like I’m doing enough on the business and marketing end to line up enough work to make things sustainable economically.

What were you doing before you became a photographer?
I studied photography as an undergrad and have my Bachelors in Visual Arts, but then I went on to graduate school in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation. I went on to work for NOAA Fisheries and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography as a fisheries scientist for a number of years, during which I was always photographing, diving, and exploring visually at the same time. I had the opportunity in 2020 to start my own company, Pelagic Projects, which has allowed me to focus on projects that are both artistically and scientifically engaging.

What do you do when you get stuck?
I get in the ocean without a camera – just floating, swimming, watching the way the light moves underwater and seeing the life that drifts by is usually the perfect way for me to get my mind reset.

What is your best advice for your peers? // What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back 10 years? 20 years?
Get outside – with or without a camera. And stop waiting for permission to go start that project you’ve been wanting to do – just start. If it’s interesting and worth doing, the interest/support/etc will come.

Check out more work from Oriana Poindexter.

MEET. Israel Castillo

Meet San Diego based photographer and APA member, Israel Castillo, specializing in editorial and commercial photography.

Do you have a favorite podcast?
Yes, The Emo Brown Podcast. I was introduced to it by my friend Enrique ‘Chikle’ Lugo. What I particularly appreciate about this podcast is its focus on local artists, business owners and musicians. It provides a platform for these individuals to share their stories, insights and experiences. It’s become a go-to-source for me to discover and connect with the vibrant community around me.

What 3 words describe your photography style?
Intentional
Environmental
Authentic

What inspires you?
I find inspiration in the simple joys of everyday life, motivating me to embrace new experiences, nurture my passions and strive for personal fulfillment.

What’s your favorite thing about being a photographic artist?
I enjoy the process of bringing ideas to life as a photographic artist. As someone who is constantly engaged in multiple photo projects simultaneously, I thrive on the excitement and challenge of transforming concepts into tangible visual representations.

When you aren’t making photographs, what other pastimes do you have?
Spending quality time with my family, my wife and two amazing daughters (ages 6 and 4). Being able to create memories with them is invaluable to me. Recently, I’ve also taken up running, with the goal of completing a half marathon. For now, I enjoy leisurely jogs around the neighborhood, gradually building up my stamina. However, most of my time is dedicated to my kids.

Who have been your biggest influences?
During my time at Brooks Institute of Photography, PF Bentley had a profound impact on me as a photographer. As the instructor of the course “Real World Photojournalism”, his teachings have continued to resonate with me and shape my approach to this day. The valuable lessons I learned from him remain a constant source of guidance and inspiration in my daily work. Additionally, I’m grateful for the influence of Javier Manzano, a good friend I met at Brooks. His exceptional skills and talent propelled him to another level. Their contributions have had a significant impact on my growth as a photographer and continue to drive me to push my creative boundaries.

What are the current challenges that you face as a photographer?
I currently face some challenges, one is finding effective ways to connect my work with potential consumers. I am actively exploring avenues to sell prints and standing out in the online marketplace is a challenge. Additionally, I would like to publish photo books of my work. But, another challenge in pursuing this goal is securing the necessary financial backing for these projects. Finding the right funding opportunities and securing partnerships or sponsorships is an ongoing endeavor. Despite these challenges, I remain determined to overcome them.

What have been some of the highlights and challenges of your career so far?
I have been fortunate to experience several highlights and navigate various challenges. One of the most significant highlights was the inclusion of my “Power of the People” image in the San Diego History Center. I’ve also had the privilege of displaying a few solo photo exhibitions and organizing and curating group exhibitions. Another gratifying aspect has been the opportunity to mentor and guide aspiring photographers. Acting as a mentor to a few students in the past was a rewarding experience, as I had the chance to share my knowledge and help them grow in their own artistic journeys. Overcoming self-doubt, honing my skills and finding new avenues to promote and distribute my work have been ongoing challenges. However, the challenges have served as valuable learning experiences and help push me to evolve and grow as an artist.

If you weren’t a Photographer, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t pursuing photography full-time, I would still be actively involved through my current role at Chrome Digital, a fine art print lab. Working in this capacity allows me to maintain a strong connection with the photo community and stay informed about the latest developments and trends. It gives me a pulse on what’s happening in the industry, and I find great satisfaction in being part of the process that brings photographers’ visions to life through high quality prints. So, in a way, I’m already engaged in my passion for photography, just from a different perspective.

What do you do when you get stuck?
When I find myself in a creative rut, I embrace the process and go with the flow. I give myself permission to take a step back and explore other activities or interests.

What is your best advice for your peers?
One piece of advice I would offer to my peers is to print their work. There’s something truly special about seeing your photographs in physical form, beyond the confines or a phone or computer monitor. Printing allows you to fully appreciate the details, textures and colors (or black and white) of your images in a tangible way. It brings a sense of fulfillment and authenticity to your craft.

What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back 10 years? 20 years?
My advice to myself would be to take chances in my craft and be bold in pursuing clients. It’s important to step outside of my comfort zone and embrace new opportunities that may come my way. Don’t let fear or self-doubt hold me back from reaching out to potential clients or pursuing projects that excite me.

What is a photographer’s role now that technology has made it so much more accessible to the masses?
As technology becomes more accessible to the masses, photographers should stay true to their craft, adapt to new technologies and continue to cultivate their unique artistic style. By sharing knowledge and supporting fellow photographers, we can contribute to the advancement of the field while preserving the artistry and creativity that define us as photographers.

Check out more work from Israel Castillo.

MEET. Marshall Williams

Meet San Diego-based commercial photographer and APA member, Marshall Williams. Marshall specializes in beautiful lifestyle, food, spa, and destination photography along with digital video as well.

What inspires you?
Wow, where to begin? I do get inspired by reading biographical stories. I just finished Robert Irwin’s Seeing is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees. Pretty influential.

What 3 words describe your photography style?
For my commercial work, I would say Slice Of Life.

Do you have a favorite podcast?
I do not — but I do enjoy listening to Hidden Brain on NPR.

What are you most proud of in your career up to this point?
I think it would be that I’m still in business after 30 years, it’s a crazy ride.

What do you listen to when you’re shooting?
Good question. We always have music playing on set. It is essential to creating a collaborative environment and the conduit that connects everyone together. Plus when things go sideways — which they sometimes do, it fills in the awkward moments. I have several playlists. My personal go to though is Dave Matthews.

What’s your favorite thing about being a photographer?
The places I’ve experienced and the people that I’ve met. I’m pretty sure most photographers would say the same. The camera is a front-row ticket to the world.

When you aren’t making photographs, what other pastimes do you have?
My wife and I thought it would be fun to raise our children in a big old house… so I’ve become pretty good at painting molding and restoring 100-year-old wood windows, among other things. We pretty much love anything involving food and wine… probably the happiest when grilling on the BBQ in the backyard with friends and family.

What photographers have inspired you or your work? Why?
There are so many. Gregory Heisler, Matthew Rolston, Herb Ritts, Annie Leibovitz, Peggy Sirota, Mark Seliger — these were the powerhouse editorial shooters of the 1990s when I was beginning my career. Their images have a strong narrative component, masterfully composed and lit, and perhaps the most important element — gesture. Other photographers whose work has been influential are Hiroshi Sugimoto, Richard Misrach, Max Yavno, Julius Schulman, and a bunch more.

What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out?
I apprenticed in Dean Collins’ studio out of Brooks. He generously allowed the interns and assistants to shoot in his space. He would walk up behind you while you were shooting, slap you on the back, and say “Talk to her!”. By that, he meant to keep a continuous chatter so your subject stays engaged. I don’t know if it was the best advice ever, but I use it today.

What are the current challenges that you face as a photographer?
The fourteen-hour shoot days feel like they’re getting longer… or I’m getting older.

What have been some of the highlights and challenges of your career so far?
By far the highlight for me would be the studio that Tim Mantoani and I built and worked out of together for 25 years and the community and friendships it fostered. Of course, his passing in 2016 was devastating.

What were you doing before you became a Photographer?
It has always been the center of my life. I did work at a Safeway through high school and college.

If you weren’t a Photographer, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t a photographer I’m sure I would be doing something that involves creativity. I really thrive off of visualizing an end result and working through the creative process to get there.

What do you do when you get stuck?
When shooting, if I’m feeling like things aren’t working, I’ll often remove the camera from the tripod and take a 360-degree walk around the area I’m working in. Another good trick is to turn off all of the lights and start from black or with only the ambient environment and begin building it back up again, one light at a time. That was advice courtesy of Gregory Heisler.

What is your best advice for your peers?
Be generous and be professional. Word of mouth is your best friend.

What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back 10 years? 20 years?
It’s hard to understand when you’re young in your career, everything builds on everything else, it’s a long slow simmer. Keep working hard and keep moving in a forward direction. (That was actually advice from the dad, which probably IS the best advice I ever received…)

How has your work evolved over time? Why?
It has evolved so much with the technology available now and the demands of the marketplace. Back in the film days we were making judgment calls on lighting and image construction based on a two and one quarter inch or 4×5 inch polaroid. That seems crazy, particularly now that we have 27-inch monitors on set. DSLRs have allowed me to shoot more loosely but more precisely, it has definitely driven the style of my work.

What is a photographer’s role now that technology has made it so much more accessible to the masses?
I believe a photographer’s role transcends technology. It is still and has always been to cultivate a unique and passionate perspective of life. If you find inspiration in music, art, literature, food, culture, sports, nature, urban decay, whatever it is, use those influences to form your rich and unique perspective of the world. Find the beauty that lies in the most unassuming of people, places and objects. It’s that unique perspective that will become evident in the pictures you make and the value that a client receives when they hire you.

What do you see yourself doing in five years?
I don’t know but I hope it involves a great meal in a hole-in-the-wall cafe somewhere. I would love to do some more traveling and personal photography projects.

Thank you APA | SD!

Check out more work from Marshall Williams.

APA | San Diego

San Diego Chapter of American Photographic Artists

Category Archives: MEET A MEMBER