Today we’d like to introduce you to John Gillespie.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love of photography started with my first roll of film in high school. After developing it and making prints I won best in show at a local art contest. My interest in art had found a new way of expression and capturing the natural beauty around me. I later began a career in commercial and wedding photography in Greenville, SC as well as working on locations around the world. I feel like photography has given a front row as well as a back stage pass to many unique events I would not have experienced otherwise. This includes being a part of intimacy of weddings and photographing Grammy winning musicians. After many years as I photographer I still enjoy the challenge of making unique and beautiful images.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Even though I have had many lucky breaks and have earned many prestigious awards, photography still has its challenges. Shooting an eight hour wedding is both mentally and physically hard and at the end of the day I am exhausted. This is the result of being “on” for hours at a time and not missing on the many diverse moments of the day.
In the weddings as well as commercial sessions there are no second chances. My background shooting film taught me to get the shot regardless of circumstances. With today’s digital cameras most anyone can take an decent image, however as a professional I feel the need to make creative images with an artistic viewpoint.
I feel that part of my success is my willingness to change and keep up with emerging trends. I love that I still feel that there is more to learn every time I pick up my camera.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have always been a diverse photographer covering everything from weddings to event photography. One of the images I am the most proud of is a bridal portrait made with infrared film. Capturing a light spectrum invisible to our eyes, my bride is surrounded by a surrealistic setting where the lake in front is jet black and the trees behind bright white. Perfectly posed and composed her portrait earned Best Bridal Image, Best Wedding Image, Best in Show, from the South Carolina Professional Photographers association.
I was also privileged to shoot the first album cover for Billy Strings. This was early in his career as he later became a major musical star and winning three Grammy Awards. I have had my photographs on several album covers since and I really enjoy capturing the personalities of musicians and their bands.
In addition to location photography I have a complete studio allowing me to offer product photography and client portraits.
How do you think about happiness?
Hearing someone say I captured the moment or even like no one else. Combining my background in art with photographic storytelling I love creating images that are unique and show a moment in time that will never be repeated.
Pricing:
- Wedding coverage starts at $2,000
- Commercil rates range from $100 – $200 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.johngillespie.photography
- Instagram: gillespiephotographic
