We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jason Sirignano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jason, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
During COVID venturing out into nature was essential for my mental well being. Staying inside made me slightly stir crazy. I was into photography prior to COVID but I began breaking out the camera I had purchased when my daughter was young to bring with me out on walks.
It sparked an addiction. I began consuming as much media as I could. Mainly YouTube videos to help me learn. If I wasn’t good at certain aspects of photography I would study it more until I got better. Constantly going outside and striving to learn.
Obstacles that have stood in the way have just been time. Between a full time job and my family there is never enough time. I like to head out and just shoot hoping to learn something new or get a shot I love. Often times with no agenda just hoping to find a new spot I liked. As with any addiction, no matter how tired, you need to find a way to get out and hone your craft.
I’ve always been a big hockey fan. Last year I landed a media pass for our local hockey team the Hartford Wolf Pack. I had a full season to shoot players and games. It was honestly a dream come true. As you are reading this, I will also have been able to fulfill one of my goals of photographing NHL players.
I’ve been invited to work with the Shoulder Check organization as a content creator. They bring attention to mental health among athletes by supporting one another through small acts that have big impacts.
Maybe I’ll retire from photography after checking this box off as I’ve hit my goals or maybe I just need new goals.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I was born and raised in Connecticut. I grew up into music and thought I would be a music teacher. Life has a funny way of throwing curve balls at you and years later I work full time in the tech industry and moonlight as a photographer.
As for what I’m most proud of, I would have to say having one of my photos appear in an exhibit with other photographers from around the world. It was amazing seeing my work in print and in Chicago. I’ve always wanted to visit the city and photography brought me that opportunity last year.
I am also very proud of my daughter who is working on getting a degree in Art. I like to think I’ve inspired her in some way.
What sets me apart I believe is my desire to constantly evolve. I’m never happy with just shooting the same locations or styles. I love to shoot candid shots. They just come across as genuine and not staged. I love to capture a detail that means something or a moment that brings joy without that person knowing I’m capturing it.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Support local artists. Go to galleries, anytime you have a need, hire a person and don’t use AI to create. Buy prints from local photographers to decorate your home or business
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me it’s really getting away from screen time. It gives me an adrenaline boost when I find a new spot to shoot or get an opportunity I never thought I would get. Finally learning a technique or getting that shot you’ve always wanted. Nothing beats those feelings. It’s more satisfying than people liking your social media posts. Networking with other artists is also rewarding. Hearing their stories and learning from others is invaluable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Jaysirignano.com
- Instagram: Jaysirignano
- Facebook: Jason Sirignano
Image Credits
All images are taken by me