We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Roger Hamilton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Roger, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back on your career, have you ever worked with a great leader or boss? We’d love to hear about the experience and what you think made them such a great leader.
Over the course of many years, I’ve had a number of amazing bosses who were often more mentors than just bosses. From those experiences, I have learned a number of things but most importantly how to navigate challenges when they arise either on set or in business. I’ve especially learned how to maintain a positive outlook when dealing with difficult circumstances such as an equipment failure or an unhappy client. I’ve learned how to ask, ‘ How can we do this?” in a way that is a win-win for all parties involved. Learning who you are, your capabilities and limits are absolute keys to success. In short, know thyself.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Roger Hamilton, a portrait photographer based in south Orange County, California. My first experience with photography was as a teenager with a lot of time on my hands in the rural Midwest. At the time, I was shooting landscape photography because I didn’t have many choices for models at the time. I did, however, photograph a senior portrait or two while in Missouri. That was nearly 40 years ago now and would like to think I’ve grown a bit since. I now offer contemporary and vintage portraiture under two brands. These offerings cover headshots to vintage-themed photography either in-studio or on-location. My work often involves headshots for local community theatres needing headshots and published classy pin-up shoots and pin-up themed concepts. I don’t limit myself to pin-up though as my offerings in the vintage area vary widely. I am proud of the success of my early work with models as some of it no doubt helped my niece to break into modeling and become represented by big names in that field. I am also proud of my more recent works as I’m refining and maturing my photographic style and skills.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I am on a journey to create high quality, professional, and authentic portraiture in contemporary and vintage settings. In order to accomplish this mission, a number of personal things must happen. I first must have a vision for the final product and then work with lighting and technique to accomplish that vision. For me, true mastery comes from knowing deeply the equipment and posing and of knowing my own limits that I’m challenged to overcome. There is a bit of psychology that comes to play in representing an authentic image.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I wish that I had considered more of the business aspects of the creative process. Building sets can be expensive and wish that I would’ve more strongly considered my niche before proceeding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rhamiltonphotography.com
- Instagram: @rhamiltonphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rogerhamiltonphotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerhamiltonphotography/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/roger-hamilton-photography-laguna-niguel-2
- Other: For vintage work, consider: https://www.thevintagephotographer.com
Image Credits
Roger Hamilton Photography and The Vintage Photographer