We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shawn Michael Pridgen. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Shawn Michael, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I usually cuddle my dog for the first 15 minutes of my day, every morning. Rocky, my pup, is usually snoring and dreaming right beside me. I wake up at 5:30 a.m. (it’s 6 a.m. as I write this) and pray I have enough coffee beans to make it to a more Godly hour, in case I have to go to the market or local coffee shop for supplies. Since I decided to go back to school this year, I usually check my email or do my homework… I am currently a student at ICP, the International Center of Photography in Manhattan, studying Documentary Practices and Visual Journalism… which might sound familiar, because some years back, in my first interview, I mentioned I was also enrolled in the program – my previous enrollment was cut short as a result of the opportunities I was provided at the time, simply I didn’t have the bandwith and I decide to presue a grant and fellowship I was offered… After emails, like clockwork, I’m in Lightroom Classic reviewing images, scanning film, drinking coffee, and listening to music for hours…
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Shawn Michael Pridgen. I’m a documentary photographer and small business owner originally from San Clemente, California, and now based on the South Side of Chicago. My background is in political science and public service—I studied at DePaul University and have worked in various roles across public service, law, and the private sector. My professional journey into photography began in earnest during the Black Lives Matter protests. Since then, I’ve focused on using my camera to highlight issues of the underserved and misrepresented. I’ve had the honor of working with a wide range of organizations and seeing my work published in national and international outlets. I’m always excited to connect with people and collaborate on projects that bring unique and diverse stories to light.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
The world is a scary place… I am grateful for a mother, father, and siblings who always allowed and encouraged me to be exactly who I was… back to the world, it will beat you down, it’s relentless and unforgiving, its also beautiful and full of opportuinty, how you see it and how you can utilize it has alot to do with the people that you keep around you… T.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there are times when I think about going back to a desk, not only for job security but also for survival. Working for oneself is not for the faint-hearted. Between the gatekeeping that occurs in so many publications, grant submissions, fellowship applications, galleries, contests, and identity groups, it’s very easy to become discouraged. Specifically, I have found in my experience as a Black man, we don’t have many members of the community that seek to build an avenue for us at all, especially not outside those that the gatekeepers have bestowed a “pass” or validation on, and it’s not to say that Black men should be given preference or preferiential treatment, I do not see us being given the same or equal opportunities as others. Period. I’ll add and encourage others to look around at the editors of publications (all the staff at notable publications), heads of galleries, grant submission judges, fellowship boards, and other popular forums. How often do you see men of color? I would say rarely, and it’s not a coincidence. That said, when I see a “rigged” system, it’s hard to continue to try to effect any change in it… and it’s very easy to give up in frustration… the amount of rejection that I receive monthly would make anyone give up, I think… but I persist because I love what I do… regardless of the gatekeepers, I think its important to fight the good fight.
Freelancers and entrepreneurs are among the most resilient individuals I have ever met.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
“Just work hard…and you’ll do great…” The sheer amount of nepotism in this industry warrants investigation. I’m probably already working on getting blackballed for my responses, so might as well not hold back now hahhahaha seriously, the PERSONAL relationships that editors at publications, galleries, grants/fellowship submissions, have with some creators are extremely suspect… and many have talked about this behind closed doors but will never say it out loud… You’ll see a boyfriend, girlfriend, wife, husband, son, daughter, cousin, or family friend of someone notable get a job at a noteworthy publication, repeatedly. The work is mediocre at best… it literally happens EVERY DAY. No one says anything because they know that if they do, the publication and that group of people will ensure they never get another opportunity to be in that publication.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’d not change much of what I’m doing right now… but I would start archiving all of my work appropriately, immediately. Maybe also shoot more 4X5. I love the challenge in it. Also, delete social media. You don’t need to play the game when you know the game is over.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shawnmpridgen.com
- Instagram: shawnmpridgen
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