Hi Tom, thank you so much for taking your time to answer some of my questions. I am curious, how did you become a photographer?
My passion for photography began in the early 70’s when my dad got an “expensive” SLR camera. I asked to take a picture and much to my Mother’s horror I was handed the camera. Since then, I have put the camera down briefly but have never been far away from one.
So it was family influence. I am sure your dad must be very proud of you as a photographer right now. Which photographers do you look up to? Why?
There are several I’d like to meet. If I have to pick one, it would be Robert Capa. Even though I have no real desire to be a news photographer, and really would not want to cover wars, I would love to be able to talk with him and hear his stories about photographing the D-Day invasion in particular.
Robert's photos are just great! Where do you usually get your inspiration? What will you do if you are stuck on shooting ideas?
Working in advertising is most often a creative collaboration. Creative ideas come from all kinds of places. There are so many ways to see and interpret light.
When I am stuck for inspiration, I always go back to looking at light. It’s what we use to make photographs. It’s rarely the same, and it can be interpreted in limitless ways. It is truly magical.
“Every other artist begins with a blank canvas, a piece of paper. The photographer begins with the finished product.” Edward Steichen
This quotation will work well for me too. I feel so inspired right now, thanks! Every photographer usually has his/her unique shooting/processing style. What is yours? What kind of adjectives will you use to describe your photography style?
I think my style is based on the emotion of the shoot. I am a people photographer and I love interacting with people in front of my camera. I really like putting a style into a project whether it’s an advertising project with a very tight layout or a portfolio test that is all up to me. It is all about the emotion and the light.
Yes, I can always feel the emotion in your photos and your play with light has always amazed me. Out of all your works, which series can best represent you? Why?
I the recent “Reflections” campaign I shot for the Exelon Patch (an Alzheimer’s medication) best represent my work right now. There are so many elements of that campaign that speak to me. I love history, and these images are all about history as this drug strives to preserve long term memory for the patient. I also love the visuals — the older patient gazing in the mirror and seeing themselves as much younger people — as I think everyone can relate to them. I really like the finished look of the bleached images with their muted colors as well.
Seriously, that is one wicked concept and I still cannot take my eyes off the photos! Bravo work my friend! If you could do a editorial shoot with any celebrity you want in the world, who would you choose and what theme would you want to do for this shoot?
I have worked with a lot of celebrities and when it comes down to it, they are just people like you and me. Although I enjoy photographing the high profile athletes and movie personalities, it is difficult to just hang out and get to know anything about them while fulfilling the agenda of the shoot. I would really like to photograph an editorial based on veterans who have won the Congressional Medal of Honor. They are generally unknown to the public and yet they are true celebrities in my book.
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It's time to see what he is like when he is not working as a photographer (I just love this part!).Film or Digital?
Definitely Digital. I have not exposed a piece of film since 2004. I just love the immediacy of digital — very creatively enabling.
Soy Milk or Milk?
Milk. I also love a good steak — I am a Texan.
Rock or House Music?
Rock — like Van Halen and Boston please.
White or Silver?
Silver — ooooh shiny.
Cat or Dog?
Dog. I am really allergic to cats. Love German Shepherd dogs.
Mac or PC?
What’s a PC? I’m a Mac all the way. I’ve never owned a PC, and I’ve owned stock in Apple for years.
Ice Cream or Popsicle?
This is a tough one. Nothing beats a Popsicle on a hot summer afternoon. Then again, nothing beats an ice cream cone — Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Heath Bar Crunch — on a hot summer afternoon, or after dinner, or anytime. So, I think Ice Cream wins.
Spring or Autumn?
I’m going to say — “Sprautumn” — because I can’t choose between the two.
Japan or France?
France — I love being in Europe for work or pleasure. In fact, when I am there for work it IS a pleasure.
Basketball or Snowboard?
Basketball. I prefer skiing to snowboarding. However, I truly prefer NFL football as a spectator, and baseball as a participant.
Reading Tom's trivia answers make me think he is a very creative and funny person. I would love to meet him in real life sometime in the future to "steal" some creativity genes from him. For now, I wish him all the best in the future and I can't wait to see more of his works! If you like to see more works of him, feel free to visit his official website. All photos in the entry are courtesy of Tom Hussey.
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