For the first "Artist Spotlight" segment I'd like to present James Carpenter, an extremely talented photographer from Southcoast Mass. I've known James for a while, in fact I used to work with him at a supermarket back in the day. A year after knowing him I noticed that he was really into photography, and his shots were not only extremely creative, but amazingly unique. Check out the interview below along with some of his best shots at the bottom, and be sure to follow him on instagram to see more of his work.
Tell me a little bit about what you do? What is your art form?
I’m a Photographer, clearly. But its much more than that, creating a visual metaphor and bringing the viewer into the image is my complete goal. Even though my images are so close to reality, I still try to make them seem like they’re from an alternate universe.
What kind of things do you most enjoy taking pictures of?
I do a lot of travel photography because I’m always on the go and going to different cities or places. That’s probably some of my favorite work to do. I also love food photography though, doing the organizing, matching the color tones, using the right backsplash etc.
When did you start?
I guess I’ve always kind of taken photos. I always played around with my parents cameras growing up but didn’t get seriously into it until I was a sophomore in High School. So that was around 2010.
Where or from who do you find inspiration?
Being alone in the middle of giant cliffs is probably the most sane and inspiring place to be for me. Photographers I draw a lot of inspiration from though are Gabriel Flores, Chris Ozer, Cory Staudacher
When you take pictures do you set out with a goal? Like do you want to make people feel a certain way?
I would not say that I have a “goal” because that’s me having high expectations for myself and I would rather let it just come to me than be forced. But whenever I’m shooting I want them to see the way I see colors and how my mind thinks, like how I said in the first question. I want to portray my world.
Where would you like to see your photography take you?
To be honest, I have no idea. I’m only 20 and still have so much more time to do so many more things. I study Graphic Design and Photography in school so I’m not completely dead set on photography as a career. Clearly I love it and will always be a photographer but I want to pursue a career as a Graphic Designer. Director of Photography for movies and Ad photography always pull me in though.
When it comes to following your passion, what advice would you give to people who are too scared to do it?
If you’re motivated, honest, hard working, and love every waking minute of what you do while still being truthful to yourself and others you will be able to create a name that is humble and honorable
I’m a Photographer, clearly. But its much more than that, creating a visual metaphor and bringing the viewer into the image is my complete goal. Even though my images are so close to reality, I still try to make them seem like they’re from an alternate universe.
What kind of things do you most enjoy taking pictures of?
I do a lot of travel photography because I’m always on the go and going to different cities or places. That’s probably some of my favorite work to do. I also love food photography though, doing the organizing, matching the color tones, using the right backsplash etc.
When did you start?
I guess I’ve always kind of taken photos. I always played around with my parents cameras growing up but didn’t get seriously into it until I was a sophomore in High School. So that was around 2010.
Where or from who do you find inspiration?
Being alone in the middle of giant cliffs is probably the most sane and inspiring place to be for me. Photographers I draw a lot of inspiration from though are Gabriel Flores, Chris Ozer, Cory Staudacher
When you take pictures do you set out with a goal? Like do you want to make people feel a certain way?
I would not say that I have a “goal” because that’s me having high expectations for myself and I would rather let it just come to me than be forced. But whenever I’m shooting I want them to see the way I see colors and how my mind thinks, like how I said in the first question. I want to portray my world.
Where would you like to see your photography take you?
To be honest, I have no idea. I’m only 20 and still have so much more time to do so many more things. I study Graphic Design and Photography in school so I’m not completely dead set on photography as a career. Clearly I love it and will always be a photographer but I want to pursue a career as a Graphic Designer. Director of Photography for movies and Ad photography always pull me in though.
When it comes to following your passion, what advice would you give to people who are too scared to do it?
If you’re motivated, honest, hard working, and love every waking minute of what you do while still being truthful to yourself and others you will be able to create a name that is humble and honorable