Probably one of the top photographers in the country right now. Paavo Shooya’s work is art in its realest form. His photographs are filled with a great depth of feeling and what seems to be secrets about secrets. Rich in emotion and silent energy.
We caught up with Paavo to get a little insight on where all this comes from.
At what age did you become interested in photography?
Well if I can recall well, my mom got me a camera when I was really young, I think I was 4, but I only got interested when I was 23.
How did you start your career? What were some of the hurdles you encountered in the beginning?
Hmmm well I am a graphic designer, so most of the times I needed photographic content, then I thought of taking the pictures myself, so it turned out I loved it more than designing. The hurdles were probably surfacing in the market, or perhaps getting equipments, but it was not that bad working with the little I had, I loved it.
In fact I really don’t think there were hurdles, I think my passion and the desire to learn was so intense that I sort of understood why things were the way they had to be.
Why did you decide to become a photographer?
I love photography, I love cameras, and photographs.
Have you traveled much through out your career? What are some of your favorite locations that you’ve shot in?
Not quite a lot, (think I have a phobia of traveling). The studio, if that counts.
Who are your favorite photographers?
Mario testing, Patrick Demarchelier, Annie Leibovitz, Peter Lindbergh, Brooke Shaden, Lindsay Adler. Those are some of them.
What kind of DSLR do you shoot with?
Nikon d200 and canon 7d.
What is your proudest moment so far?
Hmmm not yet.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
If I weren’t a photographer, I would probably have been stuck in any creative world. Graphic designer or maybe animating.
How do you get inspired? What are some of the things you do to get inspired to shoot?
Its Magazines, Movies, Stories, and Thoughts?
What kind of skills do you need, outside of being really talented at shooting, do you need to make it in this industry?
Be kind, be patient, and then know ISO, SHUTTER SPEED, APERTURE, FOCAL POINTS.
What are some important things young photographers should know in order to get, and retain clients?
When your work is considered good, a lot of clients will flock in, this means more money, but you might lose focus trying to get more work done which means more money, but you’ll end up not having enough time to have good quality, so take what you can handle, handle it good, maintain your quality, and you will be great. Explore photography.
What has been the worst job you’ve ever shot?
I kind of hate events where there’s alcohol involved.. That’s why I don’t really do those.
Is it really as glamorous as the media makes it out to be?
Well it depends what level your game is. If you’re a Mario Testino yes, if you’re a Paavo Shooya hmmm Nah… Until you become a Mario Testino.
What advice would you give to a young photographer who is just starting out?
Make sure it’s a passion, and you not just doing for the likes, or social media recognition, so Work hard, practice, practice. If you are at the 10th position, number 9 shouldn’t be your completion but nomber1 should be, only then you can do better, because when you fail competing with number 1 you are going to be number 2 or 3, but when you fail competing with number 9, you are still going to be 10th, 11th. Or 12th.
Follow AM Photography on Instagram and stay in awe.
https://www.instagram.com/amphotography911/
