Photographer: Gary Hughes

When did you know the photography/video industry was for you?
I never went in to the art of photography with intention. For me, like a lot of photographers, it just sort of happens to you and you go with it. I did go in to the business of photography with intent but I don’t ever remember having a moment where I consciously thought about it being “for me”. It might be disappointing to hear but I don’t feel called or destined to do what I do. I love it. It drives me every day and fulfills my need to create, but I could see myself doing a lot of different things as the years go by. Photography is a manifestation of that need to create that exists in so many people and I know that if I wasn’t doing this I would be doing something else that manifested that desire. Getting in to the photography business was compelled largely by my dad’s advice when I was a teenager to find a job that makes you happy. He figured that we sleep 8 hours, work 8 hours and have 8 hours of conscious freedom a day. Having a job you love is just the best way to double your freedom.

How did you get your current position?
My wife and I started our studio in 2008 after I had completed several years of internships and assisting jobs. We didn’t just buy cameras and start charging people. In fact we thought long and hard about whether or not to even do photography professionally. It is, after all, an incredible hobby. We spent the last 6 years working on building a reputation in the community. It is extremely important to the success of any small business to have the support of the community you serve and if you want to be successful you have to give a lot for a long time. We volunteered, gave of our time and talents to charity, and became invested in the community of actors and performers who make up the largest part of our client base. It’s only in the last couple of years that we have felt that we are truly up and running and in a good position.

How did your training or schooling prepare you for your job?
Neither Julie nor I have any university training in photography. I grew up with photographer parents working in their studio and Julie taught herself in college while shooting a lot of live music. We are both extremely committed to continuing education and we participate regularly in the education provided by the Professional Photographers of America and its affiliates. There are numerous opportunities every year to attend workshops and educational events as well as image competitions. We also completed the Certified Professional Photographer program (CPP) through PPA and are both proud to say we are both Certified Professional Photographers. We truly feel that if you every get to a point where you feel like your work is “there” that you should put your camera in the trash and light it on fire. One of the great things about photography is that you can always learn more, there is always a next level to achieve personally and professionally. The best work that has ever been made is being created right now and we get to be a part of that. Never stop learning and trying to be a better artist.

What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome in pursuing your career?
For a lot of creative people the greatest obstacle to overcome is your own self-doubt and emotional instability. Basically fear. Fear of failure, fear of rejection and worse, fear of recognition. Once you put yourself out there you can’t take it back! As we move forward with our art and our business I try to remember that failure is part of the process and it is, in fact, inevitable. It’s how you respond to failure that determines how far you will go in your career.

Who would you name as the most influential person in shaping your career? Why?
I have so many photography heroes that it’s hard to nail down just one. My parents, both photographers, have been extremely supportive of my career. Most of all I admire my amazing wife, Julie, who has the strength of character to support me while I learn and grow. Even though she is a great shooter, she makes our business run and lets me do what I do best without ever seeking any praise or glory for herself. It takes a special person to let their partner shine and she is truly that. We are starting our own family now and that is really shaping my career as my focus is starting to shift to long term goals for our business instead of just making it this month. In 18 years we are gonna have to send our daughter to college!

If you could be compensated for your work with something other than money, what would it be?
iTunes gift cards. I spend way too much money on music, audio books, e-books and movies. Seriously though it is gonna sound cheesy but if I wasn’t being compensated with money then it wouldn’t be my job so I wouldn’t really care about compensation. When you shoot personal projects the results are the reward. Being able to hang up art that we make on our travels fills our home with visual memories and gives us the satisfaction of having brought something beautiful in to the world. It’s a pretty amazing feeling.