Today we’d like to introduce you to Addie Schnirel.
Addie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started when my mother gave a ten-year-old a Kodak Instamatic camera from a yard sale. She gave me some creative guidance but mostly, I just experimented freely without any technical training. I used several point-and-shoot cameras over the years to document my life and the world until I got my first iPhone in 2009. After getting excited to share pictures of classic cars on Instagram, and after several years of mediocre iPhone photos, I realized I wanted to level up my photography. I took my first photography class in the fall of 2020 and have been obsessed with photography ever since then. I started with some hand me down DSLR cameras but soon picked up an old film camera and found that this modality resonated with my passion for all things vintage. I love to take photos of just about anything but my current focus is on black & white portraits. I am inspired by the portraits of superstars seen in magazines from the 90s such as Rolling Stones and Vanity Fair. This prompted me to get a medium format film camera for that really vintage professional effect. There is something amazing about the “medium format effect” and because of this, I set up a portrait studio at home because the Mamiya RB67 medium format camera is super heavy! I consider myself a hopeless nostalgic.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest hurdle is in my own head – my inner critic is never happy no matter how much I grow and improve each day. That’s what keeps me striving but at the same time, I think it’s good to appreciate the journey and the progress. Sometimes I have to step back and remind myself of how much I’ve grown. My passion for photography carries me through those moments where I think I am just not good enough.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in film photography and my goal is to support artists, small businesses, and activism. I shoot digital as well, but I’m known for my film work and have inspired several digital photographers to try film photography. I am also especially known for my photos of classic cars & love to go to classic car events (proud owner of a ‘63 Chevy Corvair). My current goal is to take 1000 black & white portraits.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I am driven by a sense of nostalgia in my photography; I want to have a visceral, emotional reaction. When working with clients, I consider it a success when the client is happy with their photos. My strategy to make clients happy is to execute technically and creatively, showcasing the best of the person, pet, classic car, business, or other subjects.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.imagesbyaddie.com
- Instagram: @imagesbyaddie
- Twitter: @imagesbyaddie
Image Credits
All images by Addie Schnirel DBA Images by Addie
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