Freelance Switch Interviews NY Photographer Tara DiGiovanni
John Brougher of FreelanceSwitch.com posted a very interesting interview today with NY photographer Tara DiGiovanni - something that I felt many of you would be interested in reading whether or not you’re a photographer yourself.
Tara DiGiovanni is a New York City photographer that has worked with numerous high-end clients such as Kenneth Cole and Time Out New York magazine. She is very well-respected in her field and any entrepreneur can certainly learn a number of lessons from the way she has built her business and reputation.
Without further adieu, the interview (for full transcript, click here):
John Brougher: Tara, you produce some fantastic pictures. When did you decide that photography was what you wanted to do professionally?
Tara DiGiovanni: Taking pictures was always something I was driven to do. I remember braiding my younger sister’s hair and photographing her in elementary school. I took every high school photography class that was offered, more than once, but it never occurred to me back then that this could actually be a profession.
Influenced by some of the artist types in my school, I decided that it would be a good idea to visit some art colleges that offered photography as a major. This experience was life changing. I began to see that this was a totally realistic approach to my future. Parsons School of Design accepted me into their Direct Entry Photography program, where I studied for the next four years.
JB: How was your first few years as a photographer? Did you have any trouble finding clients and starting your business? Did you have to do the stereotypical early photo gigs–weddings and such?
TD: Starting out in this field was extremely difficult. I didn’t have enough experience or means to promote myself and I hadn’t yet met the right contacts that needed my services. After intense searching, I landed my first freelance job at Time Out NY, shooting the “Public Eye” and “It Happened Here” weekly feature. This was exciting and I got to experience many things, but still it wasn’t the most dependable source of income. Occasionally Time Out would have me shoot stationary objects such as Pop Burger’s new mini burger, or rhinestone encrusted cell phones. This awoke my interest in still life photography. I accepted a fulltime staff photographer position at a watch company, where I started shooting their catalogs and add pieces. It was clear that this was the direction that I wanted my career to take. During my time in this position, I learned how to light and compose different materials and retouch as well.
As time went on, friends and contacts in the industry began calling me up for some interesting freelance work. This led to the opening of my photography studio, where I concentrate on freelance jobs and personal projects.
JB: What is it like as a freelance photographer in a city like New York? Do you find it offers more opportunities or challenges?
TD: Location is definitely important in this business, and New York City offers lots of resources and opportunities for photographers. It is also very competitive and finding a proper space for work or anything else at that matter can be difficult. I’m mostly inspired by it all and feel the positives outweigh the negatives. My surroundings and influences push me in a positive way to grow and improve.
JB: What advice do you have for budding photographers and other freelancers?
TD: The most valuable advice I can offer a budding photographers and freelancers is to stay focused, gain a mentor, study other photographers work that you admire, learn Photoshop and spend a huge amount of time self-promoting.
—–
Advice Network is looking for great writers to write about their favorite topics. Do you want to enhance your online portfolio? Start here!
