Conversations with Andy Giraud

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Giraud.

Hi Andy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was introduced to photography at a young age, and being the son of a commercial photographer will do that to you. You could say that my connection with photography runs deep because of that.

In my teens, I played around in the studio and dark room, then in high school I shot in yearbook. I made skate and surf videos too. During that season, I was surrounded by fundamentals that only the old-timers understood, but I was soon immersed in the newly born digital world ushered in by the internet.

It grew on me.

When I went to film school, I discovered the power of short-form visual storytelling and instant publishing. In the following years, I worked on film sets and assisted with production. The cycle went on for a while, but I always knew I could do more.

After I started freelance work on my own, it took on a whole new level for me. That was like 12 years ago. In a way, I’ve always been a freelancer, but I do more than that now. Taking on a lot of projects will do that for you.

My way of creating pictures of people has always been crazy. Different and interesting ones that catch your attention. So I followed it. As I developed new ways to push the technology, I created something different. Musicians, athletes, doctors, skilled tradesmen, and emergency workers were my first clients.

The journey continued.

In my studio, we produce media for companies and brands that want to tell their stories through their people. It is often our goal to create polished visuals that tell the story of people who represent a culture or profession, one frame at a time.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
You’d think all that early experience would be beneficial. Don’t get me wrong, it was. However, it came with its own set of obstacles.

Despite paying the bills as a photographer. I was a generalist. I could shoot almost any technique accurately. Whatever you need, I could do it. Consequently, When I worked on my own projects, I second-guessed myself. Even with so much experience. I put off what really mattered and I started to burn out.

I had to chase the bigger picture.

As I’ve mentioned before, it’s my thing to photograph people. I had a long journey to come to terms with this because I could do so much. The big sets I worked on in my assistant days taught me something. It is everyone’s responsibility to cover one title.

I followed that.

Nowadays, I primarily communicate and execute projects that have a human component. More importantly, I’ve built a network of creative professionals who take on responsibility and collaborate with us to build a bigger impact in our visuals without burning out.

Changing from a freelancer to a business mindset was a big step.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I operate a creative photography studio that produces striking visuals of people, action and style. Often our media is used in marketing and advertising.

The subject matter can be broad, but it often communicates the same message. Usually, it goes like this. This person represents or performs a culture, art, profession or sport. All of these subjects are captured by us.

We tell stories about style.

In post, we take those images and curate a polished set of photos that can be used to visually communicate to a large audience and show them something cool.

Our disruptive approach is what really sets us apart.

Our imagery creates a dramatic and striking atmosphere. Here we publish images that capture grit and emotion, similar to those in movies or paintings. Making that magic happen and making people look super duper rad is exciting us.

It is magic to me to write without words in a photographic language. We use imagery to motivate and move people. To learn more about or become familiar with a subject. In this, I am proud to continue my dream of being an artist amongst a team of talented people.

Let’s go!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Yes, I believe in going against the grain, doing things your way regardless of what others say. Doing what’s right and following your gut. Taking risks and not pursuing others’ goals unless they are related to your own.

I believe that contributing, sharing, and giving to a community will give you more than you give.

And that fear is your enemy. Don’t let it stand in your way.

Find your Giant and go with it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.andygphoto.com
• Instagram: @andygiraudphoto