Scott Adolph is our newest featured photographer who has sent in amazing photos and dispensed some good advice. Thanks for taking the time to share with us Scott–we love your style.Let’s take a look…
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How did you get started in photography? [break]
I started in high school, probably grade 9. I always had been into art but couldn’t get what I had in my head on to paper, and then I picked up the camera and it all seemed to click. I started doing some of the teachers’ weddings and after that, I was hooked and never looked back. I remember working at some minimum wage job saving up for my first camera and the excitement I had when I finally got it. I’ve been shooting now probably 20 years or so. [break]
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Who have been your influences in photography? [break]
I would have to say Nick Brandt and Gregory Colbert (ashes and snow), and for weddings and portraits, it would be Leanne Petersen, Chris & Lynn Jaska, and so many more. How can one ever list all the ones that have influenced you? I think as an artist you absorb everything around you from people, places, and from within yourself.
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How would you define your style of photography? [break]
I like to think of my style as dramatic, fun and capturing the raw emotion of people. I find my style evolves all the time but I always hold true to those values in the photography.
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What is one thing that has helped you grow your business? [break]
Referrals. I try to treat each wedding like it’s a wedding show. I always try to give my clients surprises and I always perform so that everyone at the wedding remembers me.
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What is one thing that has helped you grow as an artist? [break]
I would have to say the arts. From Music, movies, paintings, poetry, and just the world we live in. On technical side, I would say Lightroom and Photoshop. It takes the images I have in my head and makes them reality.
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What is one failure that helped you grow as a business person/artist? [break]
I would have to say the time I snapped on a client that was being unreasonable in the contract. Your reputation is everything as word of mouth is powerful. I remembering brushing off clients, but then had to eat some humble pie as I realized that if I didn’t, they will be spreading the word to their friends. To keep my name I had to discount the wedding significantly just so they would come back to me. Your reputation is worth more than anything in any business.
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What is one piece of advice that you would give to a person that is in the first few years of their photography business? [break]
I would say, don’t expect to make money for the first part or should I say the money shouldn’t be important. Do this craft because you love it and because it’s in your blood to do it. Once you are good, then the money will come.
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Visit Scott’s site, or for more, click here.
