We were lucky to catch up with Sam Gold recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sam, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I’ve been fortunate to have a clear direction for my life from an early age. As a child, my fascination with nature shows and magazines like ZooBooks and National Geographic fueled my ambition to work on such programs and take photos for those publications. The seed of my passion for photography was planted when my brother and I received a toy film camera for Christmas around the age of three or four while living in Texas. I became so enamored with capturing photos of backyard lizards that my parents had to impose a weekly limit on the number of film rolls I could use due to the mounting development costs.
I got my first digital point and shoot camera for my thirteenth birthday. By this time I was living in Detroit and was less interested in animals and more preoccupied with MySpace and taking photos for my friends’ bands. A pivotal moment occurred when my mom took me to an Annie Leibovitz exhibition at the Detroit Art Institute. Witnessing Annie’s early work with the Rolling Stones left a lasting impression, sparking the realization that I wanted to travel with bands and document their journeys. The discovery that Annie and I shared the same birthday, exactly forty years apart, felt like a serendipitous sign, affirming that I was on the right path. While my current focus is mainly in fashion and portraiture, I still take inspiration from my roots in photojournalism.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I genuinely view my work as more of a calling than a mere job. As a female photographer and director, I take pride in creating an environment where my subjects feel at ease. Early in my professional journey, I predominantly worked with lingerie and swimwear clients, as the aftermath of the “me too” movement led many brands to entrust such sensitive shoots to women photographers. I appreciate the evolving emphasis on prioritizing models’ comfort levels in the industry. Recognizing the challenges of modeling, I find fulfillment in alleviating discomfort and fostering a positive atmosphere.
Engaging with delicate subject matter has cultivated in me a heightened sense of empathy and clear communication. With the increasing demand for both photos and videos from clients, even though I lack formal training in the film industry, my natural and concise communication style has proven to be an advantage and has propelled my success in the field. I’m looking forward to working on more video projects in the future.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey as an artist, I’ve found these three skills to be extremely impactful:
1.Empathy and Interpersonal Skills:
Developing a deep sense of empathy and strong interpersonal skills has been crucial. Connecting with subjects on a personal level not only makes them more comfortable but also enhances the authenticity and emotional resonance of the photographs. Building relationships and understanding the emotions and perspectives of those I photograph has significantly enriched my work.
2.Adaptability and Versatility:
The ability to adapt to different styles, environments, and client preferences has been instrumental. Photography is a dynamic field, and being versatile allows me to navigate various genres and meet the evolving demands of clients. Whether shooting fashion, celebrities, documentary projects, or video, versatility has empowered me to stay relevant and take on diverse projects.
3. Consistency:
Establishing a routine has proven to be essential for me. As a freelance artist, the unpredictable nature of the profession often leads to cycles of intense busyness or periods of scarcity. It’s tempting to succumb to inactivity during weeks without client work, spending excessive time at home binge-watching Netflix. To counter this, I prioritize daily gym sessions and dedicate time to my office, ensuring I stay actively engaged in my craft. Additionally, I allocate a significant portion of my off time to personal projects, allowing me to exercise and nourish my creativity.
I’d recommend any artists, early or late in their journey, to be constantly working to hone these three important skillsets.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I strongly believe in organizing my physical space to positively impact my mental state. While I generally handle stress well, I’ve discovered that decluttering can be a powerful remedy when I encounter mental blocks. For instance, if I hit a roadblock while researching new projects in my office, I often take a break to tidy up my typically chaotic desk. This simple act frequently leads me to discover a forgotten polaroid or scrap of paper that sparks a fresh idea.
If decluttering doesn’t do the trick, I opt for a walk around the block in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where my office is located. The vibrant surroundings offer ample opportunities for people-watching. I engage in creating stories or find something to compliment about those I encounter, and surprisingly, this often triggers ideas for new editorial concepts or characters I’m eager to develop.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.samgold.com
- Instagram: @samgoldiloxx
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-gold-7b226753/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/samgold
Image Credits
all images © Sam Gold 2024
