Bio: It wasn’t until he moved to Costa Rica to finish college as part of a study abroad that James Gregg picked up a camera and started telling stories. After getting his bachelor’s in Spanish and Latin American Studies, Gregg pursued photography and eventually got an unpaid internship at a upstart Spanish language publication, and eventually moved on as a staffer for the Arizona Daily Star.
Awards:
NPPA 2009 Photojournalist of the Year, Smaller Markets
NPPA 2008 First Runner-Up for Photojournalist of the Year, Smaller Markets
The Arizona Press Club 2009 Photojournalist of the Year
Two Regional Emmy Awards for multimedia work
Web Site:
http://jamesgreggphoto.com/home.html
Q & A:
Q: What’s your one best piece of advice for how a college photographer can prepare now for success in the workplace/marketplace after graduation?
A: In addition to honing your craft as a photojournalist, embrace the idea that you are going to be running your own business. Embrace the pursuit of business practices that will allow you to be independent, or at least have your own independent projects going as your own business, in addition to whatever sort of staff situation you are able to achieve.
Q: If there was one mistake you could take back in your career path, what would it be?
A: I can’t think of something where I say , “Oh, I really blew it on that one.” But I guess it would be recognize early how important it is to establish a business for myself as a back-up. But I can’t think of a particular mistake that really killed it for me. You can always be more prepared.
Q: What technical skills for photographers will be valued in the coming decade?
A: Not to sound redundant, but the fundamentals of operating your own business. I’m still in the process of learning, but whatever business 101 is that certainly is going to be huge. But on the other side of the brain, well roundness is important like writing and multimedia skills.
Q: With so much devoted toward new technical skills these days, how can photographers best also focus toward strong, meaningful content?
A: Content has to be the number one priority. These are all tools. The way you employ your tools is not the point. The point is what you are saying. Telling stories is the number one priority.
Q: With the idea of one-man band, should someone still try to focus on one aspect for one assignment?
A: You don’t need to be doing that on the same assignment or all the time. Because if you’re trying to do all those things, it is going to be a feat to accomplish all of that at all. Being able to be able to be competent in all these areas so that if you need them you know how and being smart as to how to apply it.
Q: What are the names of two or three photographers/ agencies/ employers whose work you presently admire?
A: Lately I’ve been impressed with stuff going on with the Denver Post. Especially Craig F. Walker and his piece American Soldier.
Q: When you look at portfolios of up and coming shooters, what do you most look for?
A: A commitment to storytelling and to depth not just doing flashy cool stuff with a camera. I want to see that they are thinking and considerate about what stories they are trying to be across.
Interview by Joel Mora
