Today we’d like to introduce you to Garret Suhrie.
Garret, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I went to school in Philly for art history and painting. As soon as I finished, I moved out here and fell in love with photography. I took and job for David LaChapelle for a few years, working 100+ hr weeks, so the middle of the night was my only free time to shoot, so I became obsessed with nocturnal photography. And once I figured out that I could just leave the shutter open and paint with light, I was sold. I haven’t picked up a paintbrush since.
Has it been a smooth road?
I doubt any road is smooth, as mine has definitely had its bumps, but nothing that I would ever feel deemed worthy of complaint. I’ve been afforded some amazing opportunities and had some wonderful mentors along the way, and have been luckier than many I’m sure.
Have you ever wanted to stop doing what you do and just start over?
Of course. Every photographer faces hurdles. For every amazing high there’s a low. More than half my life is spent wandering alone, in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night. While sometimes this is serene and meditative, there are just as many moments that are frustrating and terrifying. I’ve fallen in nearly frozen rivers 50 miles from base camp, been stalked by mountain lions on more than one occasion, lost a small fortune worth of equipment to the elements and circumstance. There are a lot of times when I yell at the sky and wonder why I do what I do, but then, I get that frame that takes my own breath away. I see a sight and light few have ever taken in, I’m awestruck and breathless in the face of the beauty nature shows me, and it makes every minute of torture worth it. I think those with a love of the medium, a love of travel and the experience can easily endure any hardship and know it’s a worthwhile effort when you create a piece of art you’re truly proud of.
Let’s change gears – is there any advice you’d like to give?
Shoot anything and everything. And learn from the greats that came before you. I studied art history for years, spent 10 years painting and drawing, learning light and aesthetics before I found photography, and it was the greatest education I could have hoped for in this field. Keep your mind open to finding your niche and find what you love. I started in painting, then went to printmaking, then discovered photography, got into urban street scene, then fashion, then ultimately fell in love with travel and landscape photography. Don’t know if this is end all for me, as you’ve got to keep growing. Just keep an open mind, and find some good mentors.
Is there something you are particularly excited about or working towards?
I’m on my way to Alaska now, to experience a real winter. Other than that, I’m planning an adventure to India and Pakistan next year.
Pricing:
- My edition size is 3 prints per image, in 4 sizes (dimension vary based on film format) (rates given for unframed)
- S- 16×20 – 1200
- M- 24X30 – 1500
- L- 36X45 – 2000
- XL – 48X60 – 3000
Contact Info:
- Website: garretsuhrie.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @gsuhrie
- Facebook: garretsuhrie
Image Credit:
all image © me
