Check Out Bootsy Holler’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bootsy Holler.

Hi Bootsy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started shooting bands after graduating from college in 1993. I was now living in Seattle with a house full of musicians. I was listening to the Flaming Lips and the Beastie Boys and was a fan of the local band Hammer Box. I had just landed inside the music scene but didn’t know it.

I was not planning to be a photographer; I studied textiles and design. Photography had always been in the mix, and I documented my life in pictures beginning at age seven when I received my first camera. As selling and designing clothes became unattainable in Seattle, the camera became the perfect medium during a rich and creative time in the city. I was able to create art and do a freelance business from photography. Twenty-five years later, I’m working on a book about that time in the 90s Seattle music scene.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not always felt smooth getting to where I am today, but now I can see I built a reputation and business for myself pretty quickly after landing in Seattle. I have always followed my gut and done jobs that make me happy, and this way of thinking only sometimes brings in money. Thankfully, I didn’t have school debt, which allowed me to freelance as an artist. It was hard to gauge my success at the time as it felt as if it was happening slowly. But, I was living independently in my photo studio, freelancing, and caring for myself and my dog without outside help. My struggles stemmed from insecurities as a young business owner and photographer, and I was making it up as I went and didn’t have a real mentor to lean on for advice, not that I would have asked for help.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an artist and photographer. Right now, I’m designing a book around photographs I shot of the Seattle music scene between 1993 and 2009. This project has taken me years to organize. Going through my archives, scanning, and preparing negatives has been intense. My biggest goal as I get older is to have all my photography in book form. I would hate to lose my life’s work inside negative photo files and hard drives. I’m most proud that I have followed my heart and been able to freelance. I’ve survived as a working artist. I set myself apart from others because I have a distinct style; I’m intuitive and empathetic when creating art or work.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Advice for others would be – what sets you apart from others is your personality. Only one you, so don’t compare your work to others.

Find people that are good at the things you are not and bring them in as part of your team.

Find a mentor.

Pricing:

• 850
• 1200

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bootsyholler.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bootsyholler/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bootsyholler.fineart/

Image Credits
All photos Bootsy Holler