Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Wyatt Ross.
Carmen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was a late bloomer. I always knew I wanted to be an artist, but it took me a long time to figure out which medium it would be. Painting and drawing took too long for me to express an idea, and I needed to find a way to present my ideas differently. I was always fascinated by black and white photography, however, I didn’t think of it as a career until years later when I took a black and white photography course in college to make up the credits to go into graphics design. The instructors there, who had been professional photographers, dissuaded me from taking their design program, and encouraged me to go into photography. They felt very passionately that I should pursue photography, professionally. I was torn because I knew graphic design would be more practical, yet my heart was in photography, I didn’t have the same feeling about design.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all, and still isn’t. I entered the photography world in the last several years of film and then the entire industry changed and my entire world turned upside down. Most of my equipment that I had invested thousands of dollars on, was soon obsolete. Not only did I not have the funds to start all over again with a 30,000 investment, but I also had to RE-LEARN most of my craft. I had to compete with kids that grew up using computers and all things digital. Everything was different. The digital era also brought a lot of competition to the industry due to its fast learning curve and inexpensive gear. This industry has it’s challenges each and every day, and definitely success has much to do with talent, but I would even say that it has more to do with who you know and how well you market yourself.
What else should our readers know?
I specialize in fashion and portraiture and more recently video.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I feel like I am continually reaching for something greater and that success can be defined in so many ways. I would say that being published in some of my favourite magazines would be a marker for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carmenwyattross.com
- Phone: 323-283-2534
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: carmenwyattrossphotographer
Image Credit:
Sarah Rozenkrantz, Josie fetters, Briana Lyon
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