We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrew Cobosco a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Most of my knowledge in photography has been acquired through self-teaching and educational videos. I’ve dedicated countless hours to watching tutorials on photography, possibly amounting to hundreds, if not thousands of hours. I’ve found that the quickest way to enhance my learning curve in photography is to immerse myself in the practice by taking as many pictures as possible. Consistently getting out there and capturing shots has proven invaluable to my progress.

In my experience, mastering the fundamentals of any craft is crucial. Without a strong foundation in the basics, tackling more advanced projects becomes exponentially more challenging. I believe that focusing on the core principles is key to building a solid skill set.

Andrew, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Andrew, a 33-year-old photographer with a deep passion for capturing moments and telling stories through my lens. My journey in photography began at the age of 13 when I attended Camp Manitou, a summer camp that offered a photography course. It was there that I fell in love with the art of photography, learning the intricacies of film cameras and the magic of developing photographs in a darkroom. This experience became an anchor memory of my childhood and marked the start of my lifelong pursuit of capturing the world through my camera.

In 2009, I headed west to Portland, Oregon, where I had the incredible opportunity to work at Lensbaby, a renowned company celebrated for its innovative camera lenses. My time at Lensbaby not only exposed me to the manufacturing and testing of camera lenses but also allowed me to hone my skills as a photographer. The experience was invaluable, and it fueled my desire to further develop my craft.

However, life took an unexpected turn when I joined the Army in 2011, serving as a Forward Observer for six years. Though my work in the Army differed vastly from photography, I never let go of my creative passion and continued to capture life through my lens whenever I could.

In 2018, after fulfilling my contract with the Army, I returned home to Wisconsin with a clear goal in mind: to pursue a full-time career as a photographer. I invested in my first Fujifilm camera, ready to embark on this exciting new chapter. Today, my specialties lie in commercial, branding, and lifestyle photography. I leverage my unique set of skills and diverse experiences to capture moments that authentically portray my clients’ brands and personalities.

What truly sets me apart is my dedication to this craft. I believe in continually expanding my knowledge and skills, always remaining a student of photography. I’m willing to travel anywhere in the world to serve my clients and capture their stories through my lens.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I think as a photographer you have to be resilient and I believe many of us can relate to the challenges we face in pursuing our passion. I was determined to make photography my full-time career. However, like many creatives, I soon found myself grappling with imposter syndrome, that nagging feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy.

After each photoshoot, I would meticulously review and select images, often fixating on perceived flaws and second-guessing my abilities. Countless hours were spent in the solitude of my thoughts, questioning my choices and searching for ways to improve. Seeking guidance, I turned to photography tutorial videos, devouring hours of content in pursuit of new techniques and inspiration. It was during one of these videos that I first heard the term “imposter syndrome,” a concept that struck a chord with me. Realizing that many photographers face similar doubts and insecurities, this allowed me to address my thoughts.

It felt like an uphill battle but then, something transformative happened that eased my doubts—the sight of my client’s billboard featuring the headshot I had created for them.

This experience wasn’t just about personal validation; it highlighted the power of photography to captivate and inspire others. It reminded me that we, as photographers, possess a unique ability to tell stories, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact. That moment on the billboard became a symbol over self-doubt and a testament to the value of our craft.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part is witnessing the impact it has on others. There is an indescribable joy that comes from seeing my creations out in the world. It’s a euphoric experience to drive down a road and spot my photograph displayed proudly on a billboard, or to witness individuals changing their profile pictures to the image I meticulously crafted for them.

One of the most gratifying moments is when clients share their photos and receive an outpouring of positive comments. Reading remarks about how incredible a picture is and witnessing the genuine appreciation for my work reaffirms the value of what I do. It’s a feeling that I wish every photographer could experience in their lifetime.

The ability to evoke emotions, capture moments, and tell stories through my creativity brings immense fulfillment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.organicallycaptured.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organicallycaptured.wi/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrganicallyCaptured/

Image Credits
Andrew Cobosco / Organically Captured