Okie Photog Justin Voight is an unusually well-rounded professional photographer. That might be because he didn’t begin in photography. Voight fully intended to make his career in design, studying Graphic Design and art at USAO in Chickasha, OK, graduating with a BFA.  After several years down that path, however, he realized his true passion for photography, and he’s been a full-time pro ever since. Voight brings a designer’s sense for composition, color and mood to his work in weddings, portraiture and fashion, but it’s his passion for his subjects that is most apparent. In building a thriving business with his business partner Reseth Oberg, Voight serves as an example to other photographers trying to balance their art with business saavy. Watch, learn, and enjoy the interview.

Introducing Justin Voight

Justin Voight was born and raised in Southern Oklahoma. He received a BFA in Graphic Design and a minor in photography from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. Justin worked as a freelance graphic designer before becoming a full time photographer. He lives and works in Oklahoma City shooting wedding, portrait and fashion photography. When he is not busy with photography he enjoys spending time outdoors, riding his bicycle, hiking and camping. Justin is currently working on a fine art photography book that will be self published later this year.

http://www.justinvoight.com/
http://www.justinvoight.com/blog/

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1. Tell us how you found your way into photography.

I had taken a couple of photography classes in high school but never really considered photography as a career. I majored in graphic design in college and minored in photography. Most of my projects revolved around photographic images and I have always loved the art of photography. Even at the point when I was making a lot of photographs to use in my design work I thought that design would be the path for me. It was only about 4 years ago I found myself feeling stuck behind my computer and the design work I found myself doing was not fulfilling. That’s when I made the decision to follow my heart and pursue photography as my career. I am really glad I made that choice. Even when the work days stretch into 16 hour days, I don’t mind at all. I feel more passionate about work and life than I ever have. I love being a photographer.

2. How do you classify yourself as a photographer?

I am a wedding, portrait and fashion photographer. I have also been hired for commercial jobs and music photography, however I focus and market myself as a wedding, portrait and fashion shooter.

3. Describe to us a typical week in your life.

I can’t remember the last time I had a week that I would consider typical. A little known fact is, the more time you spend doing photography you can count on spending double that time on the business side of photography. I spend a lot of time editing, sending emails, and just keeping things in order. By nature most artists I have met are not great business people and it’s essential not to neglect the business side. Other than the typical stuff you would expect photographers to do I have some hobbies I like to spend time on. I think it’s important no matter what your craft is to have something else you can escape to. I play guitar and love to ride my bicycle. It helps me refresh and keep myself motivated.

4. What is  your favorite subject matter?

I am a people photographer. The more I do it the more interesting it becomes. I can’t help but feel it has allowed me to gain some small insight into human nature. The photographers I admire the most seem to understand people in a way that allows them to capture more than just the physical appearance, but the essence of who their subject is. I strive to do that every time I shoot. That’s the photographer I want to become.

5. How do you approach a photo shoot?

It’s almost never the same. I don’t really like a set routine. I may do some research or location scouting or not. Sometimes I plan things carefully, sometimes it’s a little more freewheeling but as long as it feels fresh and real then I will try it. If I become too comfortable behind the lens I know it’s time to shake things up. Otherwise I start to feel stale and that is never a good thing.

I do like to get to know my clients before we shoot. I like to have fun on my shoots and knowing my clients helps make that happen. I can take some inspiration from who they are and build a concept or idea around their personality. Whether we go for some coffee or just have a phone conversation prior to the shoot, having that experience with each other brings a level of comfort to the session that I could not get if you walked through my door and I just started clicking the shutter. My clients understand that I am not being hired to take pictures but rather I am being commissioned to create unique and custom portraits. Having said all of that, I think the most important thing is to keep it simple. It’s essential to put the least amount of obstacles between myself and success as possible.

6. Can you share with us a memorable experience from your career? A special moment, or favorite shoot?

I have had so many great experiences working as a photographer. It’s really hard to pick just one but the smartest thing I have done lately is team up with another local photographer, Reseth Photography. We are offering an experience to our wedding clients we call “Combined Creativity”. By working closely together and pushing ourselves to excel above our own expectations we are able to collaborate to create work that is a step above what we could do alone. Our clients seem to like the idea of having two creative voices with a similar style and fit covering every aspect of their wedding. Reseth and I have also been working on creative fashion projects lately. We are finding a lot of techniques and concepts that in return we are able to use therefore making our wedding and portrait work more creative. I don’t think I could get the same thing from an intern or someone who viewed me as an employer. The creative pushback I get from another professional is something that spurs ideas and innovation. It works for Reseth and I and we are really excited to see what this season holds.

7. Do you think being from (or working in) Oklahoma has influenced your artistic vision? If so, how?

Yes, in the same way it has influenced everything in my life. I am an Okie! It’s hard to explain what that means to people who haven’t grown up with that same experience. Oklahomans are connected to the land and each other in a very unique way. The shared values and dedication to hard work and the concept of self reliance are ingrained in our culture. I am proud to be from Oklahoma and to live and work here. There is a sense that things are on the move in Oklahoma and I believe that the creative community can lead the way. I also believe that it is our responsibility as artists to interject our voices and vision into the larger conversation. My photography and my art are a reflection of who I am and who I will become because I am an Oklahoman.

8. How have you benefited from being part of a creative community (workplace, classroom, associations, etc.)

I believe in collaboration and communal experience. I have a sense that art thrives in a situation where various input can influence a more refined and creative output. We need more of that in Oklahoma. I think this blog is a great start to a conversation that needs to happen among creatives and especially photographers in Oklahoma. There are so many talented people with so much to offer and I hope this spurs a larger movement in the direction of collaboration.

9. What is your vision of the future of the industry?

I expect that it will become even easier for high quality image making devices to get into the hands of consumers. It will be easier to share photos and we could soon see the day, very soon where prints take a backseat to digital delivery. That is exciting and I will be happy when I can have a DSLR quality camera in my phone. However, I don’t believe that this will ever be a substitute for the creativity a professional photographer can provide. It requires a deeper sense of understanding and experience to be able to truly provide the level of creativity my clients expect.

10. What is the vision of your future?

A lot of great things are happening now. I am really focused on living in this moment and giving everything I have to the now. It feels like I am at the dawn of great things to come but for now I am pretty much focused on the good things that are directly in front of me.

11. Can you lend some advice to young photographers?

Not only can I lend advice, I and speak from experience. Fear and cynicism is unproductive. It is the worst combination of human qualities one can possess. No one who ever got anywhere did so because they were afraid or cynical. If you really want it then you can have it. A lot of young photographers think there is some big secret out there. Some easy way to the path of success and they spend all of their time looking for shortcuts. When they can’t find it they spend the rest of their time making excuses. I see a lot of young creative people who make too many excuses and I myself have done the same. Stop making excuses and start working. Work hard, do what you love, follow your passion and give of yourself. Be humble and selfless and sooner rather than later you will find yourself happy and exactly where you have always dreamed of being.