Photographer Gregory Reeves took home the Hollywood RAWards semi-finalist spot. We asked Reeves what his favorite piece of advice was and he said, “Don’t let anything or anyone hold you back from what you believe in and want to do, you create your own reality, it’s your decision to be successful, and no one else’s.” Shooting for 5 years, he’s already been named RAW Artist’s “Photographer of the Year.” Find out what inspires Reeves, how he got his start, his favorite subjects to shoot, what equipment he uses and what projects he’s currently working on.
Congratulations on winning the semi-finalist Hollywood RAWards spot in the PHOTOGRAPHY category! What does this mean for you and how does it feel to beat out the other nominees in the Hollywood region?
Thank you, this is an honor to be voted Hollywood RAWards Photographer nominee. It feels good to have people who support what I am doing and appreciate my photography. Beating out the other talented nominees was a great feeling, but hearing my name as the winner was an unbelievable accomplishment.
Who would you like to thank? Who helped you with this milestone?
I would like to thank RAW Artists for the opportunity and all those who came out and supported me. I would also like to thank my talented girlfriend Rebecca, Mom, and Dad. I’d like to thank my grandpa Ron who gave me my first 35mm SLR, Lachelle the greatest sister ever, Grandma Betty, Taco, Christopher M., Bob (aka Danny Tanner),Lindsay, Lidia, Richard, Jessica, Adam, Josh, Allen, Kristy, my entire family and all those who support me and believe in what I am doing.
How long have you been taking photos and how old were you when you first realized you loved photography?
I have been taking photos for about 5 years. It started as a past time, riding my bike around downtown Los Angeles taking pictures of everything that caught my eye. I realized when I was 26 that I wanted to follow my passion for photography and pursue it. The truth is I have loved photography ever since I started.
What are your favorite subjects to shoot?
It’s always evolving, a bum on the street, a model on location, basically anywhere or anything I can get my camera and lens in front of.
How would you describe your style?
There is no one word to describe my style of photography. However, I always try to draw the purity of my subject’s emotion. Textures and shadow play are also definitive of my photography.
What inspires you and what has been your most memorable assignment?
Actually the last shoot I did was a tribute to a character, Dagny Taggart, from Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged. The book has taken me on a journey of self discovery and continues to inspire me on a daily basis.
What cameras do you shoot with and can you describe how andwhen you use flash, reflectors and natural light?
The cameras I am currently using are a 35mm Canon FT QL and Minolta SRT101. I do not use flash or reflectors, I like to use the natural light of my surroundings, and adapt to whatever that is. The only time I use artificial lighting is in the studio (spotlight, overhead light, and fills).
Do you have a preferred lens?
My favorite lens right now would have to be my Canon 50mm.
Are you working on any projects at the moment?
I have a few projects that I am working on. Currently, I’m conceptualizing a couple of shoots themed around the psychology and mythology of death.
Have you learned any lessons being in the industry?
I’ve learned that things don’t always go the way you want them too, and it’s the ability to quickly re-adapt and overcome that sets you apart from everyone else trying to make it along with you. But, I mean, it also is applied in positive ways too. I didn’t think I was going to win RAWards and that was huge.
What’s the best piece of advice someones ever given you?
Don’t let anything or anyone hold you back from what you believe in and want to do, you create your own reality, it’s your decision to be successful, and no one else’s.
What advice do you have for aspiring photographers who are just getting started?
Go into every assignment with an open mind; expect the unexpected, break the barriers set by others.
Is there anyone you’d like to work with in the future?
I would like to work with Vanity Fair, Vogue and National Geographic.
Where can we see more of your work? (Online and offline)?
You can find my work on www.wix.com/reevesimpulse/freetobe. Also, check me out on Facebook under Gregory Reeves Photography, and at 33 Roomslocated in Burbank where I have an ongoing showcase.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I would like to thank you, Disarray Magazine, for this interview!! Follow your dreams, and never give up what you believe in. Be you, be free!
All others provided by Gregory Reeves
Formerly an editor at Demand Media, writer at Citysearch, The Examiner, LA Youth Newspaper and proofreader at The Los Angeles Daily News, Christy Buena decided to start Disarray Magazine because she missed writing what she wanted. From hiring writers, to contacting publicists and making assignments, Christy is responsible for the editorial strategy of Disarray Magazine.
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