andrewdwhitephoto - Tumblr blog

[andrewdwhitephoto]

Got to catch up with Jason the other day. Thanks for the juice, J!

Andrew, 2016

[andrewdwhitephoto]

Our Deathwish flow bro, Jake Keenen, isn’t handling the NYC winter very well. DON’T DO IT, JAKE! Spring is coming! You have so much to live for!

Photo: Andrew White

[andrewdwhitephoto]

XVI, Nigeria, 2015.

[andrewdwhitephoto]

JONATHAN CHERRY: What did you want to be growing up?

ANDREW WHITE: I was a pretty frantic kid, so it was really hard for me to focus on one thing long enough for it to stick. One day I would decide that I would become a deep sea diver, then decide that I would become a park ranger, after that, a musician and so on. The one activity that seemed to stick with me and eventually formed into a passion that I still pursue to this day, was skateboarding. There seems to be a lot of crossover these days between skateboarders and photographers (Bryan Derballa, Mike Belleme, Jason Henry, Vic Blue, Ashley Gilbertson and I’m sure several more). Skateboarding requires a lot of time, focus, and energy. To learn a kickflip, for example, you have to attempt it hundreds if not thousands of times before you actually land your first one. I feel like that sort of repetition and burning desire to accomplish a maneuver develops a work ethic and way of approaching other passions and artistic endeavours. Like anyone else who skates, I wanted to become a pro and go travel the world and live that “rockstar” dream. Unfortunately, I lacked that inherent gift and physical skill that all pros have. I did end up getting a job at one of the bigger skate companies out of LA right out of high school. I was the youngest person at the company and did a lot of growing up during my time there. I also learned to shoot and edit video, which has helped craft the way I see the world and make pictures. Ironically, I had been shooting photos throughout all these years (my Dad made sure that my brother and I always had a disposable camera on hand), and I never really considered that a career until leaving the skate industry.

JC: Who or what is inspiring you at the moment?

AW: I find inspiration in many forms. I’ve been re-reading a bunch of Kurt Vonnegut novels, it makes me feel like I’m in high school again. Also, music is a huge part of my identity and my past. I’m constantly searching for music that fuses with whatever mood I happen to be in. I’ve been listening to the new Sturgill Simpson album a ton over the past year. I really dig what he has to say and musically, its abstract, complex, yet also very traditional. Skateboarding still inspires me to this day. I feel lucky to have made many friends in NYC who skate. It’s a really fun way to learn the lay of the land of a city and getting out of the house and pushing around the streets is one of the most magical feelings ever.

JC: What are you up to right now?

AW: I turned 30 last week and along with a few New Years resolutions, I’m really trying to step my photography game up this year. I never thought of myself as a portrait guy, but I’ve been getting more and more portrait assignments. Its a lot of fun collaborating with the subject, making a personal connection and creating something personal and unique. This year, I’m really making a push to shoot more with strobes. I’ve only just touched the tip of the iceberg with it and I’m excited to dive in and see what’s visually and conceptually possible. I’m also in the process of creating a production company with my good friend, trusted colleague and landlord, Michael Kirby Smith. We’re joining forces with the idea of shooting and producing documentary films and making commercial work together.

JC: Have you had mentors along the way?

AW: Absolutely! I mentioned this in our last conversation a few years ago, but for the past 6 years, Bryan Derballa has been a major part of my development as a photographer. I found out about him by stumbling upon his blog, lovebryan (which I’m now proud to be a contributor). He’s an open book and doesn’t hold back on his critiques. He’s definitely pushed me to get outside my comfort zone and I’m eternally grateful for that. Bryan, I and a few friends are going to Puerto Rico next week for some cliff jumps, epic beaches, natural waterslides and all around mischief. So hyped for it! After graduating from ICP in 2012, I assisted Ben Ritter for a couple years. He shoots mostly beauty and fashion and I’ve learned a ton from him, not only in lighting, and directing, but also on the business side of things and how to conduct myself as a professional. Ben’s the man and has awesome stories for days. Philip Montgomery has also helped a lot. We first talked when I was visiting NYC from LA 5 years ago, I wanted to pick his brain about ICP (which he attended) and find out what it takes to be a photojournalist. We ended up chatting for a few hours over coffee and after our meeting, I knew I wanted to move out to New York to pursue this passion. It’s rad to see how far Phil’s career has come. His vision keeps getting stronger and stronger.

JC: Where are you based right now and how is it shaping you?

AW: I’m based in Brooklyn, NY, and live in the neighborhood of Bushwick. I feel that for photography and many other creative fields, New York City is the nerve center. Its where so many newspapers, magazines and agencies are based. I’ve been living here for almost 5 years and its where I came out of my shell and found myself. I also love being exposed to the diversity here. I remember when I first moved, taking the subway and experiencing this new feeling that comes with being forced to engage with so many strangers at once. I find the sorts of shared experiences, such as riding a crowded train together, can be a beautiful thing.

JC: One piece of advice to photography graduates?

AW: Work hard, ask lots of questions, and don’t be afraid to try new things. You also have to be self motivating cause no one is going to check on you to make sure you’re on top of everything. (sorry that was 5)

JC: If all else fails - what is your plan B?

AW: I’ve gotten really into cooking over the past few years. Initially it was out of necessity (being a broke photojournalism student in NYC doesn’t allow for eating out often), but now I take great pleasure in it. The whole process fascinates me; starting with fresh ingredients, building flavor and experimenting. It’s a lot of fun. I love having my friends over for dinner parties and I think the idea of opening a restaurant or cafe would be pretty cool.

JC: Is it important to you to be a part of a creative community?

AW: Definitely. I’m fortunate to have a pretty diverse set of friends and colleagues who take part in all sorts of artistic disciplines; from photography, to fashion design, from culinary arts, to carpentry. We have the privilege of working in the arts and a major part of that involves the task of finding your voice. I’m constantly trying to refine mine and weave that into my photography. Its important to surround yourself with people who are going to push you forward and challenge you creatively.

MULL IT OVER on twitter MULL IT OVER on instagram

[andrewdwhitephoto]

When a massive snow storm hit the East Coast on Monday evening, photographer Thomas Prior documented it from the streets of New York City.

[andrewdwhitephoto]

Gus, Brooklyn, 2015

[andrewdwhitephoto]

Paradise, Philadelphia, 2014

[andrewdwhitephoto]

Bobby Brazen, Wallride in New Jersey, 2014

[andrewdwhitephoto]

Brad, Philadelphia 2014

[andrewdwhitephoto]

Courtney, Beacon, NY 2015

[andrewdwhitephoto]

First of January, Kreuzberg, Berlin, 2015.

[andrewdwhitephoto]

Johnny Manziel after getting picked by the Cleveland Browns. NFL Draft, 2014

[andrewdwhitephoto]

Just posted some assignment work from 2014 on my longform blog. (click image for link)

[andrewdwhitephoto]

Just posted some assignment work from 2014 on my longform blog. (click image for link)

[andrewdwhitephoto]

I kept forgetting to post this. But our friends over at Huck Magazine did a nice little write-up about Lovebryan. We’ve been doing the Lovebryan blog for almost nine years now. A lot has changed in the internet, but we’re still chugging along. It’s nice to still be recognized.

[andrewdwhitephoto]

Phil went back to Ferguson this week. Gnarly stuff.

Philip Montgomery covered. the most recent protests in Ferguson. See his gallery of images at Bloomberg Businessweek.

[andrewdwhitephoto]

From Warmth by Andrew White.