Today we're switching things up and for the first time ever on HSD we are turning our spotlight on Timothy R Lowery. This fantastic photographer is professional, friendly and down to earth. Read on to find out more about this amazing fashion photographer.
Why did you choose this profession?
I have been a photographer since I was 15 years old. I worked on the annual staff of my high school and then on the newspaper staff during college. However, after college I decided to pursue a business career and for many years put photography on the back burner. However, I realized at some point that a part of me was not being expressed and that photography fulfilled the creative and artistic side of me that needed an expression. Eventually I came back to photography as my creative outlet. At first it was just my hobby, but over time, and as more and more people saw my work, it became apparent that there was a demand for my aesthetic and unique style of photography. Suffice it to say, for me photography is more a passion than a profession.
Where do you draw inspiration for your work?
For me, inspiration is a huge part of photography. Sometimes it is visual inspiration such as looking at other photographer's work. I am always inspired when I look at iconic work by photographers such as Irving Penn, Chris von Wangenheim and Patrick Demarchelier (of The Devil Wears Prada fame), whose images have been a mainstay in fashion periodicals for many, many years. I also find inspiration by going to new places and meeting new and creative people. Truly, the world is full of inspiration if you are open and ready to receive it.
How did you get to where you are today?
I do not personally feel one ever arrives at a place where one can say, "I have arrived". Life is all about the journey…learning, growing, developing, etc. Wherever I am today, it is because I have refused to stop at some previous level. I challenge myself each and every day to take my craft to the next level.
What is your favourite set that you have worked on?
Difficult question. While I always love the project that I am currently working on, I realize each project is unique and almost like the creative version of having different children. Each project has some expression of me revealed in the captures…even though I am not physically in them. It's funny, I look back at some of my early work and think, I would do this or that differently now…but still recognize that there is some element of where I was at that moment captured in those images.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you while at a shoot?
Not sure of the "funniest" thing that has happened…but one thing I always try to do is have fun on the set of a shoot. I think if you ask any of the models, stylists and assistants who have worked with me, they would say working with Timothy is a lot of FUN! Just don't ask about my dance moves.
What is the most difficult part about your profession?
I find the most difficult part of photography is patience. However, I realize patience is vital to a photographer's success. Whether it is having patience during the pre-production phase, during the actual shoot (lots and lots of patience needed while models are in hair and makeup) or during the post-production phase...patience is key to having a successful shoot and ultimately essential to being able to give your client the best captures possible. Patience is also essential when a photographer is first starting out. It takes patience to build a thriving photography business…because you build your reputation and success one client at a time.
If you could photograph anyone's hair in the world, who would it be?
Sarah Jessica Parker…I love her style!
Do you have a favourite stylist to work with? If yes, who and why?
There are many talented stylists in the industry right now. Just log on to your site or other similar sites and you will see simply brilliant work. However, my favourite is the incredibly talented Chris Rushton…a Goldwell/KMS brand artist…who just happens to be my partner. Chris is a rising star in the hair industry and I am continually inspired to capture the beauty and art of what he creates.
How many years have you been a hair stylist photographer?
While I have been shooting for many years and have always done shoots that included hair, hair photography is relatively new to me. But I must admit doing a shoot specifically to capture the art revealed in the styling of hair is really exciting. I love it because there is a finite amount of time after a hair stylist finishes his art that it can be captured in it's original form. Hair styling is one of the only art forms where the moment the artist is finished, the art begins to decline and is destroyed. Therefore, the only way to keep and appreciate this art form is to capture it via photography. That concept has really changed the way I view hair photography.
How would you describe your photography?
I believe every photographer has an aesthetic style which emanates from one's own unique way of seeing things. That aesthetic style is like a finger print that marks the image with the flavor and personality of the photographer. As for me, my aesthetic style is what I would define as classic with a modern twist…sophisticated, glamorous and elegant…but always with a modern style and sensibility that is current and relevant.
What do you like to do on your free time?
What free time?
You are a very versatile photographer, what is a style where you feel comfortable and what new boundaries are you pushing?
I am a beauty and fashion photographer…but within this field of photography there is much versatility. As I have stated before, I view my personal aesthetic style as classic with a modern twist. That is where I feel most comfortable. However, I recently saw an editorial spread that was very dark, moody and surreal…and I was mesmerized by the images. I remember thinking I would love to be able to shoot like that. So, I definitely want to experiment with other styles as I grow and continue to develop my craft.
Where is your favourite location to shoot in and why?
I love to shoot in New York City. The city is so alive, frenetic and diverse. There is no urban place like it on the planet!
Any words or advice for young photographers?
Yes! Shoot, shoot and keep on shooting! Do what you love to do and keep honing your skills. Keep updating your portfolio. It might take time…remember patience is essential…but sooner or later, your talent will make a place for itself.
Last but not least: Where can people find you?
You can find me at the following sites:
Website: www.timothyrlowery.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TimothyRLoweryPhotographer
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TRLOnTheFly
The Rotante Shoot: Behind The Scenes with Photographer Timothy R. Lowery from Timohty R. Lowery Photographer on Vimeo.
BEJEWELED BEAUTY SHOOT: Behind The Scenes with Photographer Timothy R. Lowery from Timohty R. Lowery Photographer on Vimeo.
Via: Spotlight Fashion Photographer - Timothy R Lowery