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

Bailey , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

I was an AC (Assistant Camera) for a short film a few months ago and had no idea what I was doing as it was my first time on a professional set. I made mistakes that I should have been fired for, but the DP (Director of Photography) I worked with showed me how to improve and challenged me on this shoot. One of the many things he taught me was how clear you needed to be as a communicator, but also how to be a good leader. Being a Director of Photography is not just about the image in the frame; the job is about leading a team to achieve the image in the frame. You need to take charge and know what needs to be done in a short amount of time. It made me take a step back, evaluate my choices and clarify if my decision is good for the project. Furthermore, the experience also taught me to be calm under pressure as mistakes will happen, but own up to them and move on.

Bailey , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got my first-ever camera when I was 17 years old and I learned how to capture moments of life through the tiny device. I saw how much my perspective changed as I learned different methods to take photos either it be through lenses or color. I found my voice as I could show the world how I saw life. I always brought my camera with me and shot photos of either landscapes or people. I often found people more interesting to photograph as each face told a story. My love for portraits began to grow from there.

Eventually, I started making short films with the same friends. I did everything from writing to editing. Yet, I would find myself more engaged with creating the compositions, selecting the aspect ratio, and picking a lens choice. I think the photographer in me spoke out more than my writing or directing side. I decided to also focus on becoming a cinematographer.

Whenever I talk with clients for portraits, I try to figure out what they want and how I can achieve that for them better than they expect. I want to engage with the clients on a personal level rather than focus on trying to make a sale. I see each gig as a possibility to explore more of that person and see what makes them unique. I then try to create a photo that represents them in a way that truly is how they are.

For my pursuit in filmmaking, I work with directors to achieve an effect that will allow the audience to fall into the film. If the audience can forget about their day to day stresses while being absorbed in the atmosphere that I created with my team then we have succeeded. Each shot in the sequence can make or break a film so knowing how each shot can be woven into the next is a crucial task I figure out with my team. It is always a great day when combined efforts make something we all can be proud of.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The people who I get to work with is the most rewarding aspect. It is easy to get lost in your own doubts and feel like you’re not doing enough. I find myself going back to my work and critiquing every aspect. The other creatives I have met have shown me that I am doing enough, and it brings me back to how visual art is a collective art and not just an individual art. I am so thankful for all the creatives I have met who have took their time to help me learn more about the industry or how to be a better person in general. It made me be more patient with the process and to love the process.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Honestly I just want to be happy with what I get to do in my short life. If I can be on my deathbed and look back and have a few regrets rather than a a lot, I’ll be happy with just that.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baileygowerdp/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strangedylan
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bailey-gower-26ba9b211
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu5ToS9VEVdsxSAuYN1rxMA/featured

Image Credits
Bailey Gower