Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Mackey.
Cameron, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always been super into films and cinematography. I spent a couple of months reading articles and watching youtube videos on how films were created and on how to use a camera. In 2012 I bought my first DSLR and was immediately comfortable with it.
Has it been a smooth road?
The majority of my photography adventure has been smooth. There was one point where I stopped shooting for 6 months because I was hearing so many negative things about the industry and morally didn’t want to be a part of it. But I couldn’t resist the urge to create art, so I picked my camera back up and haven’t put it back down!
When you look back, can you point to a period when you wanted to quit or a period that was really frustrating?
There has been one moment where I took a 6-month break from photography. It was 9 months after I first moved to LA and was feeling overwhelmed with everything. I was not only doing photography but I was also producing hip hop music and writing country music and creating content with some YouTubers. I was grateful for all the opportunity, but I was chasing too many dreams for others rather my own. I was also hearing a lot of os stories about the sketchy downsides of the industry, morally I wanted to detach myself from it all. So I did. I was younger then, though, getting lost in the hustle and bustle of all of it. In time I remembered it was my passion, art, and individuality that got me into it and that is the reason I continue to do it.
What advice do you wish to give to those thinking about pursuing a path similar to yours?
A lot of newcomers think they have to follow certain rules and guidelines and that if you don’t, you’re not a good photographer. You’re going to constantly have people telling you how to do things and how you shouldn’t do things, but the truth is your look can only be found by walking your own path. There’s tons of sources out there talking about “don’t shoot with these settings”, “hard shadows are bad” “only shoot during certain times of the day”, “only use this angle for this shot” on and on… my best work has been shot in direct light in the middle of the day in the oddest angles. Point is, break the rules. This is art, not science. If you create visually moving emotional images, no one is going to care about the megapixels and iso and “proper” light use.
What are you looking forward to?
I’m excited about further developing my eye. Not just on creating one unique look, but the adventure of constantly developing myself and the process of looks that I’ll pass through.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://cameronmackey.tumblr.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: cammacky
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CamMackPhotography/
