Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Hodge.
Hi Anthony, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I come from a family that loves art. I couldn’t draw or paint, but I always knew that there was something special in me to be creative. Before my photography journey began in March 2021, I took a photo class in spring 2012 at Cerritos College. I took the beginner course, and I learned about photography using a film camera. As much as I loved and appreciated this art form, I decide not to pursue it so I could focus on graduating college. I also didn’t want to feel as if I was copying any photographers. For a long time, I would walk around, and I started to feel eager to take photos. Something in me wanted to return to photography. In late 2019, my little brother told me about this online learning platform called ‘Udemy.’ I created an account and took a variety of courses. One of those courses was called “Photography Masterclass: A Compete Guide to Photography” by Phil Ebiner, William Carnahan, and Sam Shimizu-Jones. During the pandemic, I relearned some old concepts as well as learning new ones. I purchased my first and current camera in late December 2020 (Canon Rebel T7). I took my first set of photos in March 2021. I applied everything that I learned from that course. From there, I continued to find events to photograph. In late November 2021, I took my first set of portraits. My college class mate wanted me to take photos of her and sisters for their Christmas family portraits. That was the moment that I knew I was making an impact on someone’s life. The fact that she saw something in my work to take photos of her family spoke volumes for me. In June 2022, months after I finished my website, I took a hiatus. Creating that website took a mental toll on me. During that time, I ran out of ideas on what to photograph. I also wanted to meet new photographers so I can be inspired, but I didn’t know where to go. I came back in February 2023. By May, I knew I had to switch up what I was doing. I discovered a group shoot called ‘Art n’ Chill’ from a former co-worker who as also a photographer. I went to that event, and I finally started to meet new people. That next month, I attend my first LM Meets event (hosted by Rachel Mehan). Once I posted those photos on my Instagram, everything changed. Different organizations started inviting me to photograph their events. Models and photographers started to follow me and wanted to work with me on a number of projects. Since then, my social media has continued to grow. I’ve had four photos displayed in art galleries, and I have continued to make new friends along the way.
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?
I’ve had a few moments of self-doubt. Sometimes, those negative thoughts run through my head (ex., these photos aren’t good enough; you need to be more original). But rather than dwelling on those thoughts, I ask myself, ‘What can I do to be better?’ It also helps that most people like what I post. So those thoughts leave my mind immediately.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For a long time, I considered myself an amateur photographer. I didn’t think of myself anything more than a guy who like to take photos. Every time I’ve shown people my work, I receive a lot of positive feedback. Some people have asked me if I ever considered being a professional. The positivity inspires me to keep going. I’ve done many different styles. However, this year (2024), I want to focus more on street-style portraits. My goal is to develop my skills using the outside environment to tell a story with the model. As of now, I’m known for capturing a variety of portraits. I’m proud of how fast my photography journey has moved. I went from posting photos to my Instagram to having photos displayed at an art gallery. I now feel like the possibles are endless.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
For me, I got here by enjoying the process. So, for the next 5-10 years, I want to continue to enjoy what I’m doing while pushing the envelope. My next goal is to get my photos published in several magazines. Somewhere down the line, I might start my own photography business. After that, who knows what’s next? But my main goal is to enjoy the process like I’ve always have.
As far as the industry, photography isn’t going away. Many will use AI as a replacement, but you can never replace the human-to-human interaction. Every photography niche will always be needed. As social media continues to thrive, so will the need of photographers and their businesses. Photography won’t be going anywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hodge-photography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hodge.photography89/
Image Credits
Justin Robinson
Heather Denise
Ari Schwartz
Kandyce
Kat Lankford
