Bio: Work in progress…
Awards:
National Geographic Emerging Explorer Grant
National Geographic Expeditions Grant
2007 Rowell Award
2008 APA Award for Sports
Blog and Web site:
http://www.jimmychinphotography.com
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: The most successful photographers that I’ve seen out there have just gone out to shoot what they’re passionate about. Shooting photos is one thing but to really understand a topic gives you a different perspective that people who don’t understand the topic. It gives you insight and access. As creative as you are in your photography, you need to be creative as to how you get it to people. To create your own brand or image you have to focus on one area.
Q:If there was one mistake you could take back in your career path, what would it be?
A:I think mistakes are good. You learn from them. I don’t think there is anything I would take back.
Q: What technical skills for photographers will be valued in the coming decade?
A: Video.
Q: With so much devoted toward new technical skills these days, how can photographers best also focus toward strong, meaningful content?
A: We’re all kind of evolving. Photography is evolving. When you’re really focused on shooting something you’re passionate about, it takes that passion to make that photo great. Take your time to get to know the situation, and it will come through in your photography. If you can move the people who are also passionate about the topic that you’re shooting, you know you have something meaningful.
Q: What are the names of two or three photographers whose work you presently admire?
A: Neil Leifer, and Walter Iooss.
Q: When you look at portfolios of up and coming shooters, what do you most look for?
A: Technically, if it’s shot well. Composition. If they’ve been shooting something that’s been shot a lot before, and they bring a new creative vision to it.
Q: How did you know you wanted to be a photographer?
A: There wasn’t any distinct moment, it just happened. Some of the most significant things in my life that have brought me to where I am just happened. Life will lead you, and sometimes you have to trust that.
Q: What advice can you give an aspiring photographer just out of college?
A: Start small. You get shut down motivationally if you set up big goals first. It takes time and you have to be patient.
Interview by Ana Goni-Lessan
