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

Henry , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

As most people getting into new hobbies nowadays I learned probably about 80% of what I know thorough YouTube and the last 20% through practical experiences. I feel probably getting some sort of formal training though a photography class probably could’ve sped up some of the learning process but when I was getting into photography it was more of a hobby and I didn’t feel the need to embark on any formal training. The skills that were most essential in my journey thus far are definitely the understanding of lighting. I can’t overstate how important lighting is to photography it seems obvious but generally overlooked in my experience. If I had to say anything stood in my way of learning more it’s not being able to find someone to give me a leg up and take a chance on me either as a new photographer or even as an assistant. So i just kept plugging along and learning the moot i possibly could by myself.

Henry , 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?

Discussing my journey in photography is not an easy task, but I’ll give it my best shot. Initially, photography was nothing more than a casual hobby for me. I vividly remember the moment I purchased my first DSLR camera, driven by the ambition to produce high-quality guitar covers for a fledgling YouTube channel I was launching. Unfortunately, that channel never gained the traction I had hoped for, and it was swiftly abandoned. However, I found myself in possession of this powerful camera and thought, “Why not put it to good use?”

Around that time, I had a friend who was more than willing to be my model, and together, we embarked on a journey to discover captivating locations throughout Southern California, capturing moments through the lens. This marked the inception of my exploration into photography, leading me to seek opportunities on platforms like Model Mayhem, where I began delving into the world of Time for Print (TFP) collaborations. This hobby gradually evolved into a true passion.

As I immersed myself in photography, I found my inspiration increasingly drawn from the world of cinema. I yearned to craft immersive atmospheres in my work, and this artistic aspiration has now become a cornerstone of the services I offer to my clients. My mission is to provide them with a comfortable and supportive environment where they can present their best selves, both in the images I capture and the ambiance I create through the lens.

Specifically, my photography services encompass portrait photography, headshots, as well as basic and high-end photo retouching and editing. What sets me apart is the meticulous care and attention I devote to tailoring each scene uniquely for my clients. From coordinating wardrobe colors that complement our chosen location to curating mood boards that ensure we capture precisely what they desire, I leave no stone unturned in achieving their vision.

Moreover, I pride myself on being highly adaptable to my clients’ needs. Whether they prefer a hands-on approach or wish for me to take the lead in helping them shine their brightest, I’m more than capable of accommodating their preferences.

The key message I want both potential clients and followers to take away from my brand is its remarkable versatility. In an era where niche specialization is often emphasized, I have chosen to express my artistry through a multitude of styles, making me an ideal choice for a diverse audience. Whether it’s edgy and avant-garde, dreamy and artistic, or polished and professional from a business perspective, I consistently deliver top-tier quality work across all genres. My commitment is to provide a photography experience that’s as diverse as the clients I serve, ensuring that each individual’s unique essence is expertly captured through my lens.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most gratifying aspect of being an artist, in my perspective, lies in our unique ability to create. While it might seem like a simple concept, it’s at the core of what we do. As artists, we have the extraordinary capacity to visualize ideas in our minds and then strive to manifest them in the physical world, making them tangible and shareable to inspire others. This innate drive for creativity, the power to construct environments and evoke emotions, is what initially drew me into the world of photography and ultimately led me to explore the realm of composite artistry.

As a composite artist, I harness the potential of multiple images to fashion entirely new textures, emotions, and even entire worlds. This allows me to push the boundaries of conventional photography, creating compositions that are uniquely evocative and visually striking.

Beyond the personal fulfillment I find in these creative pursuits, I also carry these artistic values with me when working with clients. Witnessing their faces light up as they catch a glimpse of a shot through my live viewfinder, or their disbelief when they see themselves in the frame, is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s equally heartwarming when clients express their gratitude with an emphatic “thank you” or share positive reviews of my work.

In essence, the joy I derive from the artistic process, coupled with the ability to evoke such profound reactions from clients, adds an extra layer of fulfillment to my journey as a photographer and composite artist. It reaffirms my belief in the transformative power of visual storytelling and the enduring impact of creativity on both a personal and collective level.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

When I first came across this question, my mind immediately gravitated to “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book delves into four fundamental principles that serve as guiding pillars for living a fulfilling life. These principles are: “Be impeccable with your word,” “Don’t take anything personally,” “Don’t make assumptions,” and “always do your best.”

At first glance, these statements may seem like common-sense notions that we can all agree with. However, it’s in the practice of these principles, particularly in the realm of relationships and, in this case, business, that their true significance becomes apparent.

In the world of photography, especially when it comes to tasks like cold calling for gigs or submitting work to magazines, we often encounter countless rejections. It’s an integral part of the journey, and it’s vital not to take these setbacks personally. Understanding that these challenges are part of the grind, and consistently striving to do our best for our clients and our craft, is what sets us apart.

“The Four Agreements” and its philosophies have played a pivotal role in helping me navigate the hurdles that the world throws our way as we endeavor to establish a business and build a following. These principles provide a valuable framework for maintaining professionalism, resilience, and a positive mindset in the face of adversity. In essence, they have been an invaluable source of guidance as I’ve pursued my career in photography, allowing me to stay focused on my goals and deliver exceptional work to my clients and staff, regardless of the obstacles encountered along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: henryfinchphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henryfinchphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/henryfinchphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henryfinchphoto
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/henry-finch-photo-los-angeles?uid=LFWNIRa15PHoj8Tp8RFmoQ&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@henryfinchphoto

Image Credits
Kadie Jorgenson Moriah Hart Melody Wan Elizabeth Faye Moxen Victoria Allyse Sarah Scarboro