Photographer Spotlight: Jim DiVitale

 

When did you know the photography/video industry was for you? 

In 11 grade I took my first photography class. Images from my first roll of fill were printed up and then entered into a student photo contest in West Palm Beach Florida.  6 months later, I received a letter from my Congressman telling me my photography was hanging in the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.  That was it….. “Mom, can you buy me a camera, I want to be a professional photographer” From there it was a steady course of going from the High School yearbook photographer to a fine art Photography program at Palm Beach Community College, and then the Art Institute of Atlanta.

 

How did you get your current position? 

After graduation in 1978, I went to work in an Atlanta advertising photography studio working in the darkroom. I then learned my craft of multi-image compositing and working with other photographers images until I was ready to start as a studio assistant, then staff photographer. Changed jobs to work in a large catalog production studio where I learned how to work as a team with art directors, stylists, and clients. In 1885 I opened my first studio and have been shooting commercial advertising photography ever since along with teaching at the Art Institute of Atlanta and doing programs across the country for Canon USA  and Adobe.

How did your training or schooling prepare you for your job? 

The training I got in school helped me develop the portfolio I needed to open the doors to get me in for the job interviews. The training I received on the job finished my photo education before I was ready for my own studio. You don’t want to be starting your own business without both the school background and on the job training. 

What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome in pursuing your career? 

I always seemed to be in a rush to get to the next higher position in my career, but when I would get there I would then realize that the time I spent in the darkroom, sweeping floors, and then assassinating was very well spent..   I finally learned not to be in a hurry. My greatest obstacle was my own impatience. Take your time and learn your craft correctly.

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Who would you name as the most influential person in shaping your career?  Why? 

My mentor in the world of photography was Dean Collins. I can state that Dean was the greatest teacher of lighting our industry has ever had and I was proud to be his friend. Long before I knew him personally and began teaching with him, I learned how to control and shape with light and these lesions will always hold true from working with film to the world of digital photography.

If you could be compensated for your work with something other than money, what would it be? 

Having my fine art photography recognized in more museum and gallery showings is very fulfilling. Had a six month long one man show in an Atlanta Art Museum in 2012 and really enjoyed the process of putting it together. Teaching photography is my second love. Getting ready to start a nationwide tour for Canon in 2014 and finding more opportunities to share the knowledge with upcoming students is all the compensation I need