Sometimes people think the only way u can be successful or prove your success is by working at a big name or exclusive company, or by having an impressive title. Other people find their careers as successful ones when they do what they are passionate about, and are HAPPY doing it. What's success if your unhappy in it?
I am looking to find people who are successful because their passion is something they have made a career. Achieving happiness is the greatest success of life.
My first interview is with Montreal based photographer Nico Stinghe. Fortunately for him, he has achieved both aspects of success. He's worked with Mercedes Benz NYC Fashion Week, and shot in several European countries and American cities. He's shot for companies such as Aldo, Diesel, Adidas, and Simons, but also has made his love and passion for photography his career.
What is your passion?
I won't consider myself as a fashion photographer but mostly as a portrait photographer. Recently I shot too much in my studio and I needed to get out. Also, there are some brands that were interested in my work and asked me to apply what I do to their products. It's hard because they want to control something that I create with no intention of controlling. Maybe thats where the line of fashion vs portraits appears.
How did you begin your photography career?
My dad gave me a Zenith camera when I was 10 or so. He showed me how it works in 5 minutes and that was my only course in photography. later I was working in a restaurant and I asked them for a trade: food versus cleaning. I had so much food that I started to give it away in my building and thats how I met Mika, a photographer that was starving for 3 days. We became best friends and I saw that you can be a photographer [as a profession]. I really like documenting people.
How were you able to turn your passion into a career?
By doing it and showing around my work. I remember one day I went to a party and had my prints with me, so I showed them to everybody. I decided to do small gatherings of people and show prints.
Do you ever work in other fields of photography besides fashion?
objects, portrait. sometimes events.
What is your favorite piece of art you have created, and why?
I really like the photos I did with Veroushka, she is the soul of my work.
Where or what is your inspiration?
People I meet, ideas that come in my head and objects I find. I also improvise a lot.
Any other passions or hobbies?
Sailing boats. I did it one summer.
Any advice for those seeking a passion or an interest in photography?
I don't know. It's something very personal.
******************************************************************************
With so many amazing photographs to choose from, it was so hard to pick which ones to display on my blog. Here are a few of my favorites, but you can view Nico's portfolio at http://www.anothersidewalk.tv/
