Conversations with Drew Storcks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Drew Storcks.

Hi Drew, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In the spring of 2012, while a college student in Burlington, Vermont, I took a film photography class under Bill McDowell at the recommendation of my parents. While aimlessly browsing photo books in the library one day, I came across Sally Mann’s book “Deep South,” and my jaw hit the floor. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, and immediately fell in love with her hauntingly beautiful photographs of Virginia landscapes. In that moment, I knew I wanted to make photographic imagery for the rest of my life. For the next two years I worked for the University of Vermont as a darkroom and digital lab technician under professors Peter Schellenberger and Dan Payn – both of whom had such infectious energy that attributed to the growth of my passion even further. They introduced me to David Lynch’s work, and photographers like Chris McCaw, and Caleb Charland, who continue to be big influences of mine. I got really into shooting 4×5 photography on direct-positive paper, and would stay up all night printing at the UVM darkroom.

While in Vermont, I was also pretty immersed in the hardcore and metal music scene as a guitar player – starting bands, playing DIY shows, doing the occasional weekend mini tour. Around 2015, a friend asked if I wanted to move to Richmond, Virginia to start another band, and we blindly parachuted down there together. That band developed, but sadly fizzled out after about a year, though I wound up co-managing another darkroom, then PA’ing for a company called Spang TV, and eventually joining Local 600 as a camera assistant.

I had the privilege of working some big shows and commercials under veteran AC’s, DP’s and operators, and learned so much from all of them – technical skills, but also, problem solving, communication, foresight, prep, handling pressure on set…throughout that time period I began DP’ing small music videos for metal bands on the side, with the eventual goal of becoming a Director of Photography in the narrative space.

In 2022 I packed up and drove to LA, worked in both paths as a 2nd AC/DP for a bit here, then eventually began to focus my efforts on DP’ing about a year and a half ago.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. The biggest struggle as a freelancer is that you never know when your next job is going to be – and in the last few years, that struggle has only intensified due to a major contraction of work in the industry. Another struggle of mine has been maintaining a work-life balance-specifically in being present for loved ones, family and friends, while also being present for work opportunities. It’s eye-opening when you realize it’s a struggle that presents itself even for industry vets who are far into their careers. Thankfully, there’s a recognition among crew that we’re all in this together, and most crew are willing to share their perspective and past experiences to help each other navigate the struggles.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Director of Photography (DP), focusing mostly in the music video and narrative sectors. Up until now, I would say I’m most known for a video I shot for the band The Ocean Collective out of Berlin, Germany. It was a psych-thriller-inspired video about a surgeon who convinces a group of patients to de-age themselves, and the medical process backfires, leaving them all in an age-locked purgatory. Each purgatory was filmed in stolen locations throughout Puerto Rico, Montreal, and lit and framed in specific ways that would aid a very rudimentary and budget-conscious VFX process later down the pipeline. It put me out of my comfort zone big time, but per usual, that ended up being the best zone to be in. It was extremely rewarding to make something like that with friends. Every now and again, this business rewards you with these strange, memorable life experiences-and that was certainly one of them. I’m always seeking them.

Something I feel sets me apart is my background as a touring musician in the hardcore/metal space. Because it’s not the most palatable genre, It demands its “participants” to embrace a high level of DIY ethos, and creative problem solving under pressure in order to keep the ship moving. That ethos is pretty engrained in me now, and I’ve found value in having it in my back pocket as a DP when budgetary or unique limitations present themselves.

What were you like growing up?
I grew up in New Jersey, and was a pretty active, social kid – My parents and relatives were quite instrumental in showing me all sorts of art and music as a youngster, and I soaked it all up. I played sports into my teens, and while I eventually bailed on it all, it showed me the value of teamwork and collaboration early on.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drewstorcks.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/drewstorcks
• Other: dstorcks@gmail.com