We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Noel Austin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Noel , looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.
I always had an interest in photography the medium since I was in high school. I would look through old fashion magazines my mom had lying around the house and also just compose mental images while I was outside because I didn’t have a camera at the time. In college, I took an Intro to Photography class. While in the class we were given our own camera and everything I was learning I just did in my free time and then some. Where I’m at today I would say I learn the most from my experiences. Whether it’s an amazing shoot or something goes wrong I always try and take it as a learning moment. I honestly wouldn’t have sped up my learning process, I firmly believe what’s you is for you. Trying to find the easy way all the time doesn’t make it fun. In my opinion, the most essential skill is patience. trying to rush a shoot or an idea never really pans out the way I hoped. so just practicing patience while also being open to learn along the way.
Noel , 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?
Well, I’m a 23-year-old photographer from Atlanta, GA who now resides in Brooklyn, NY. When it comes to this medium I shoot portraits, editorial and documentary photography. As I said early photography was something I got into after high school. I’m not gonna be the person that says I grew up with this lifelong dream of being a photographer but thanks to my parents and allowing me to explore different avenues besides just what the norm was because that allowed me to grow to love and appreciate art in many forms. I couldn’t really paint or draw but I knew what a good picture looked like so I would always have these mental images that I would compose in my head when I went outside. wasn’t until college that I got the opportunity to really learn the foundation of the medium and learn and grow within it. I got into film while I was a Junior at Georgia State University. what attracted me to it was the process that follows with film photography. finding the right film, camera, location all of it was exciting for me. In the journey, I became a little nerd (Which there is nothing wrong with being a nerd) about film cameras and film stocks, etc learning the history of having manuals that are in English or all Japanese. I believe that my authenticity sets me apart. no matter how big or small the set is I treat everyone with respect models and homies that help bring my visions to life and I would like my work to reflect that authenticity if it hasn’t already. I’ve become comfortable with my ideas and where I want to go with my craft which is something I’m really proud of. AT one point in time I thought I had to pick one avenue whether portrait, landscape, street, or editorial but I kind of just do what fits for the moment creatively. I think I’m becoming more comfortable as a director and showcasing my vision with photography.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I would only say there are a couple of things. I always tell my friends that ill take pictures even at 100 years old with a walker and everything. I have this love for photos that will never die. As I continue I want to go more into editorial and fine art. Showcasing my abilities on covers of magazines and having personal work in exhibitions and galleries in the future. The real dream is to at least do one full exhibition show at The High Muemes in Atlanta. A place I went to as a kid that inspired my love for art so hopefully I could do the same for a kid in my hometown
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In any creative space it’s easy to sort of lose yourself mentally especially with social media it’s easy to look over and see someone doing better or getting an opportunity that you may feel you deserve. I use to get those feelings and also feel like I’m not doing enough. At some points when shoots didn’t pan out or something I planned gets canceled I think about just not taking pictures for a minute. But with that, I learned that what’s for me will be for me and will come in due time but in the meantime enjoy the journey of it all. I’ve worked on showing myself some grace and not being too harsh on myself and believing in my own greatness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fourfiveshots.myportfolio.com/i-welcome-your-eyes-to-45-shots-visuals
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoelaustin/