Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aaron Farrier. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Aaron, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I can’t say I’ve completely gotten past it, but I changed my thinking to be truer to myself. So I just tell myself, “I am worthy” and “I belong here.” That seems to have helped over time. The trick is don’t give the situation more power than it deserves. I’ve worked hard to get where I am, and to get where I’m going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a photographer with a primary focus on celebrity portraiture, that’s really the heart of what I do and where my biggest goals are. There’s something special about capturing well-known personalities in a way that feels authentic and timeless, but also in a way that they hopefully haven’t been captured before, and that’s what excites me the most. At the same time, I also love filling in the gaps with architectural photography. The clean lines, textures, and structures offer such a different creative challenge, and I find it really balances my work in a refreshing way. I’m fortunate enough to get to work with some pretty big brands like Kia, Jaxby’s and others so the expectation for perfection is there, which I love. The editing process for both are very time-consuming, sometimes taking hours per photo, and I absolutely love it. I make a cup of coffee, throw some music on or sometimes Bob Ross, and just enjoy the process.
As for my brand, I strive to create images that feel both modern and cinematic, where every photograph stops you in your tracks. I’m working really hard to set myself apart from everyone else. Looking ahead, I’m continuing to expand my work in the celebrity space, making some moves there that I hope to speak on in the coming months and I’m especially excited to share more behind-the-scenes glimpses into my process through some upcoming social media ideas I have. My goal is not just to showcase the photographs, but also to let people connect with the personalities behind the shoots.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been adaptability, relationship building, and creative vision.
Adaptability has been crucial because photography, especially in the celebrity world, can be unpredictable. Schedules change, environments shift, and you have to be able to pivot without losing your creative spark. Later in the process, feedback from the client may not always agree with your creative vision, so being able to adapt to the client’s vision and getting out of the way of one’s own ego is really crucial to the adaptability skillset.
Relationship building is just as important as technical skill. The ability to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera, to make them feel comfortable with me coming to their home, often determines the success of the shoot. But be authentic. People can spot a fake. Be interested, listen more than you talk, and most importantly, have fun! All of these things come across in the photograph. It’s also been a crucial roll in getting more and more clients. Especially with celebrities, it’s mostly word of mouth. So it’s important to have an approachable, fun and professional personality. A lot of times I’m working with these clients in their homes, so they need to feel comfortable with me before I ever arrive.
And finally, creative vision is what sets work apart. Technical skills can be learned, but to develop perspective and the way you interpret a subject is unique to you. I think that’s why I get hired, my photos have a unique feel to them. If you just want the box-standard headshot, there’s thousands of people you can call. But if you want that little something special, something that’s more dramatic…well…there’s only a few in the industry you can call, and I’m one of them.
For anyone starting out, my advice would be: stay curious and flexible, because adaptability comes from exposure and experience; treat every connection as a valuable commodity, since people open doors more than anything else; and keep experimenting with your craft, because your creative voice will grow the more you push it. A shorter way to say all that is to phrase it how my Dad did when I was a kid, “Never stop learning.” And he’s right.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed? Join the club! I’m the president. Hahaha. It’s practically part of the membership perks when you’re self-employed, or really, with any job for that matter. When it hits me, I’ve learned the most effective move is surprisingly low-tech: stop. That’s right. Stop. Just stop everything. Hit pause, check in with yourself, and figure out what’s actually fueling the anxiety. Nine times out of ten, it’s not as dramatic as it feels, and reminding yourself that “this too shall pass” usually helps take the edge off.
My go-to reset button is a long walk with music in my ears. Something about moving my legs while a good playlist takes over usually kicks my brain back into its creative gear, and before I know it, I’m ready to dive back in where I left off.
But if the fog doesn’t lift, my advice is simple, outsource your pride and ask for help. As Ringo once sang, “We all get by with a little help from our friends.” Brilliant man. Decent drummer. And just fyi, you’ll find that gem on the “Sgt. Pepper’s” record if you’ve somehow missed it under that rock you live under.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aaronfarrier.com
- Instagram: @aaronfarrier
Image Credits
Portraits by | Aaron Farrier
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