Image Alumni Education BFA in Photography Current Career Co-Founder of JAR Studios; Professional Photographer Location New York City, New York What is your favorite thing about your work? What I'm enjoying most about being a photographer is the amount of variety in my assignments and all of the interesting people I get to meet and work with. One week I could be in the studio working on still-life images, then shooting an environmental portrait on location, and even traveling abroad to document an artist installation. It keeps it really fresh and exciting. Why did you choose photography? What were your major classes like? I initially came to MCAD not knowing what I'd major in. I was always interested in photography in high school, but it was my foundations photo teacher who saw something and really took a liking to me. I think she was the one that pushed me and inspired me down this path, and I can't thank her enough. All of my photography instructors had a big impact on me and I really appreciated the different approaches they used to get us to think and make work. In lighting class, Rik Sferra would use recent movie releases as references to different lighting setups, and I remember David Goldes having us listen to readings of The Great Gatsby for its detailed descriptions of time and place. I loved being in an environment that encouraged unique and different ways of looking and thinking. Favorite place on campus? The black studio was my favorite place. No one else ever seemed to want it. Did MCAD prepare you for life after graduation? Yes, and maybe this is an exclusive experience for me, but I became the staff photographer at MCAD through the communications office after graduation. It was a one-year position for a graduating senior. So I got to work at the school and shoot for MCAD's magazine, the MCAD Viewbook, brochures, etc. Best thing you ever got on the free shelf? I once found seven nude flesh colored sparkly body suits that came from a drag film shoot. They were a real hit when we'd invite people over. What was your experience with MCAD's facilities? Did you have a personal studio? How was that? I always found the facilities to be amazing at MCAD. I was the only photographer who had a studio in the third-floor painting studios because I used a lot of sets and props for my work and needed more space. Towards the end of my time at school, I was shooting black and white 4x5 exclusively and processing all my own film, having to share the darkroom with one or two other people at the time. I think my class was just on the end of the darkroom era as we transitioned into a much more digital workflow. How do you find inspiration when you are feeling stuck? Much of the time now, I'm dealing with deadlines so I can't really get stuck. I have to make decisions. Sometimes it's more successful than others, but I just try and learn from it and apply it to whatever comes next. Current obsession? I'd say Game of Thrones. I'm a secret nerd and love fantasy anything, but also really dig the level of detail and everything they do to bring that world to life. What advice do you have for art and design students? Get weird with it, have fun, but also take it seriously. Don't make excuses, do your homework, and use the opportunity you're given to not have to stress about a job and really utilize the access to great equipment and resources. You don't get that once you leave. Where did you intern and can you briefly describe the experience? I interned with a local fashion photographer. It was a nice experience. He was super easy to work with and I learned a bit about managing clients and working with art directors, which was super helpful as I got out on my own. Has your work evolved since leaving MCAD? Absolutely. After my time at MCAD I went on to assist at the Target photo studios and eventually worked my way up to shooting. I learned so much about lighting and equipment from the other photographers there and I'm able to pair that with what MCAD taught me about conceptualizing my ideas and making the work. How did your MCAD DesignWorks experience differ from the rest of your college experience? I think MCAD DesignWorks really taught me about collaboration whereas my actual studies were more personal and self-motivated. Name your one biggest takeaway from MCAD? Inspiration and acceptance. MCAD encourages you to be a weirdo, try things, fail, try again . . . you can't get that everywhere and I miss it.