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

Hi Gregory, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Patience and a relentless pursuit of the goal you’re trying to achieve are essential. What I’ve realized as a fashion photographer is that you can create stories and situations that you once could never imagine yourself in until you’re actually in them. That, to me, is success. Success is the journey, for as long as you stay in it, because the journey never ends. I know this because, statistically, I’m not supposed to be in the position I’m in right now. Considering the neighborhood I grew up in and the friends I had around me, I’ve never attended any form of art school or obtained any college degrees. Yet, I’m now traveling around the world, working with fashion models, agencies, and brands in exotic places, and staying in beautiful penthouses. Stay focused on your own path, and you’ll always win because, as the saying goes, comparison is the thief of joy.

Gregory, 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?

My name is Gregory Varnum, and I’m a fashion photographer based in New York City. I’ve always been into photography, even before I got into fashion, but my entry into the fashion industry happened when I entered a relationship with someone who was already in the industry. She was my first model. About two years into our relationship, I discovered a photographer whose work resonated with my soul. He has now been my mentor for six years, and the rest is history. I’ve been burning with passion ever since to become the best that I can ever dream.

I provide a full production team by shooting visually compelling, high-quality fashion editorials for clients and brands who want to enhance their visual aesthetics. This team consists of models, makeup artists, hairstylists, wardrobe stylists, behind-the-scenes footage, and fashion films. Essentially, I am a full production house, and I believe that sets me apart from others. We live in an aesthetically driven, capitalistic culture where content is king.

I’m most proud of my determination to become a better man, a better artist, and a better fashion photographer because it’s been a long and very humbling journey for me. There were plenty of moments when I could’ve given up, but fashion kept calling my name and wouldn’t let me go in peace—literally.

What I want my potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that I’m constantly striving for excellence and perfection. As hard as it is and as impossible as it may sound or seem, there isn’t anyone who’s as hard on me as I am on myself. I expect myself to be excellent because it is excellence that I want to deliver to everyone else. There is a deep sense of self-fulfillment when I can make others happy.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is finishing a project that was once a figment of the imagination. Going through the entire process of pre-production and post-production increases my self-confidence and belief that I can follow through with what I envision and eventually see the final product. Sometimes, it’s not perfect or as you imagined it, but simply starting and finishing a project is enough to build my character.

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

I’ve always been the type of person who never finishes what I start, whether it is due to fear or a lack of needed support and encouragement from others. Fashion photography feels like it’s my soul’s lifeline. I’ve had the courage to break through every single mental barrier I’ve developed from my childhood that still affects me to this day. I’ve sacrificed a way of living, time, money, relationships, and people all to dedicate myself to my craft and love for fashion photography. Fashion photography is a very personal endeavor.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gregoryvarnum.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregoryvarnum_?igsh=bTAyYnhteXBwb21z&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

N/A