We were lucky to catch up with Roy Furchgott recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Roy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

I had intended to work in pet photography, having both volunteered at a shelter and trained dogs. I could speak animal pretty well. But the field was crowded. Fortunately I also enjoyed working with people (who sometimes take direction better then hyped up Jack Russell terriers). So I started to work in portraits while taking businesses courses. My business mentor advised me that the portrait photography business model I was building would attract clients looking for family and children photos — that likely meant working in the “light and airy” style that is in high demand. But I didn’t want to do copycat work, so it was back to the drawing board. My mentor asked, “Well, what do you want to do then?” I threw the question back at him. “You’ve seen my work, where can I pursue my style and make a business of it?” He suggested “personal branding,” sort of commercial photography lite — photography for small business, entrepreneurs and influencers. These are clients that understand the importance of making a good appearance, standing out from the crowd, and they have a budget for that purpose. Little did he know it hit an area where I have hidden expertise, which I’ll get to.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve been a journalist for … let’s just call it decades. I started my career at small local newspapers that didn’t always have a photographer available for my stories. I had been a photo aficionado since high school, so I lugged my Nikkormat (an indestructible cinder block of a camera) along with my notepad and sometimes did my own shots. My first press award was for my photography. When I began writing for national publications I was told to “pick a lane.” I chose words. I knew even then that I would never want to retire, so I reasoned my latter years might be more comfortable behind a desk with a mug of hot coffee, rather than hauling 40 pounds of photo gear into a cold and rainy field at dawn. Possibly a poor choice, considering the state of journalism opportunities. In recent years I picked up the camera again and (while still writing). I’ve shot for The New York Times, Washington Post, Car and Driver, and a bunch I forget. There was the occasional wedding. I find myself shifting to branding for boutique businesses, entrepreneurs, influencers, and anyone who wants images that stand out from the crowd. I provide a catalog of shots useful for for press kits, websites and social media. My writing still pays a part in this — I spent almost a decade covering advertising and marketing, and in that time had unlimited access to hall-of-fame ad people to discuss the thinking behind effective campaigns. I’d like to think I absorbed quite a bit, which gives my clients and edge, They get images that aren’t merely pretty, but they are thought out, strategic, and say tell their customers what they need to know.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Still pivoting. Get back to me on that.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Famous people are not intrinsically more interesting looking than people one meets every day. They just have access to better hair, makeup, wardrobe and lighting. I like to show people what they look like when they are visually treated as celebrities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.royfurchgottphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roy_furchgott_photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550605904392

Image Credits

All Photos by Roy Furchgott