Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Folk.
Hi Jeremy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My photography story stated back in high school. An art credit was required for graduation, and at the time, it was the last thing I wanted to do. I was much more focused on math and science, so taking an art class was more of a chore for me. My uncle was a photographer, so when I saw that photography was an option I decided on that one. My painting and sculpting skills were not necessarily up to par, and I figured this way, I at least had a family member who could show me the ropes. Obviously, I wound up really enjoying the class. This was back in the film days, and being able to create something tangible that showed my vision really sparked something in me.
Fast forward a few years, I had mostly been taking architectural and landscape-style shots. In 2012 I met my now-wife who had just moved to my area from LA (I was living in Northern California at the time). A few years later after we were married, she decided to get back into acting and needed some new headshots. Since I had a fancy new digital camera, I offered to take them. They were not good. However, that really sparked an interest in taking portraits, which has been my focus ever since.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I’m not sure any artist can say the road has been smooth. The main obstacle to overcome with art is that it’s very subjective. You can’t walk into an office and perform some quantifiable task to show your value. Art is very subjective, so you need to find your audience, then work to make your name known to them. I think my main struggle is my aversion to marketing. There are few things that I like less than promoting myself, which is really the key to making it early in your career.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Recently my focus has been on headshots and creative portraits. Having a wife who is an actor, I kind of naturally fell into headshots. I think she has more headshots than any other actor in existence, but getting those photos out there drove more work my way.
I definitely have images out there that make me proud to say, “I took that.” But as every photographer knows, those images are balanced out by photographs that will never see the light of day.
Every photographer has their own unique style that comes through in their images. My style isn’t better, it’s just different. Some people might like my style, or someone else’s better. That’s one thing that I enjoy about art. There really isn’t a “right” way to do it. And it’s a constant evolution. Scroll back a year on my Instagram and my style looks different than it does today.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always taking on new clients, so contacting me through Instagram or my website is the best way to get in touch. And if anyone knows someone who needs a new portrait, sharing my name is a huge way to support my work. I also love working with apparel brands who need content.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jeremyfolk.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremy.folk/
