We were lucky to catch up with Maurice Hargrave recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Maurice thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. 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?
Photography has been the happiest accident of my life thus far; I never intended on being a photographer, I didn’t grow up taking pictures on my [insert aging relative]’s old camera or dreaming about the perfect shot. Once upon a time I was a film student at a small liberal arts college in Western Maryland; in a proactive measured I aquired a camera to begin practicing my short films, however, it was the power of still imagery that caught my imagination, and it hasn’t let go since. The learning process for photography has never really felt like learning, which is to say I never saught out my knowledge for the sake of knowing, I simply had no desire to put the camera down. Every step of this process has happened in perfect time, I don’t believe the journey of learning is one to be sped up or slowed down, but that you find the information you need when you need it, no sooner nor later. That understanding, that patience of knowing there is no fast track to being exceptional is by far the most important skill I’ve learned. The biggest obstacle I’ve faced on this path is my ego; the need to be recognized or noticed, for someone else to tell me that my work deserved admiration, or that it was worthy of respect. The craft is the craft, and the work, the art, is just that. Throw yourself into it and enjoy the ride.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Maurice Hargrave and I’m a photographer from Baltimore, MD. These days my work is primarily focused on concert and portrait photography. I’ve been taking photos of my friends and family since I picked up a camera back in college; and one day somewhere along the way, through sheer luck and a little bit of heartbreak, I found myself on a stage surrounded by blaring music and flashing lights, and in an instant I fell in love. Capturing genuine and extraordinary moments has become my passion, and being able to convey these emotions and these moments through unmoving images is something that fascinates me to no end; No matter the subject, the setting, the situation, I pride myself on my ability to capture those brief windows in time; it’s my super power. The respect I have for my craft and my own ability is what sets me apart, when it comes down to it I care; everytime I get a shot (pun very much intended), I know that it is my responsibility to bring the best of me, to every pixel and every detail. When it all goes right, there’s nothing like that feeling of seeing the perfectly crafted image.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The freedom that comes from releasing control, of surrendering to the moment and to the work; it’s intoxicating. Allowing everything I’m feeling or going through to inform the art is a freeing experience that I will never take for granted.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Much of what I do is focused on capturing the soul of individuls and moments, so I have always placed a great importance on making sure my subject(s) feel seen, heard, and respected; for they are first and foremost people, and we all deserve a little more patience and kindness. I believe this attitude, combined with my singular vision and relentless hunger for the next shot have been the driving force in the building of my professional reputation as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mowridervisuals.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mowrider
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themowrider
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maurice-hargrave-033302182/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMowrider
Image Credits
Maurice Hargrave