Artist Spotlight | Troy W. Folsom

Name: Troy W. Folsom

Job Title/Description: Freelance Photographer

Personal website:

www.TFolsomPhoto.com

I’m a(n)… I'm a photographer who fell in love with the craft when I was 11. I remember I was lucky enough in middle school to have an art teacher who built a darkroom. The first time I put a sheet of paper into the developer and saw the image emerge I was hooked... it seemed nothing short of magic. I still miss the smell of chemicals and the ambiance of the red light in a darkroom, but I have to admit that the tools digital  technology has given us as photographers are amazing. You are limited only by your imagination.

My goal is always to capture images through the filter of who I am. I am a passionate person, and I love photographs that create an emotional resonance in the viewer, a connection on a deeper level.

When you are looking for inspiration, where do you go?  One of the things I love about being into photography is that it trains you to always be observant of the world around you... to notice everything. No matter where I am I'm looking at the things and imagining it in a photograph, wondering what angle or perspective would be ideal to capture its essence.

I also find inspiration by looking at what other photographers are doing and imagining how I would take a similar shot with my own style.

Summer or winter?  Well winter would be great if we consistently got some snowfall. I love shooting in the snow. Unfortunately, endless drizzle isn't conducive to photography, so I'm going to have to go with summer. But really Spring or Fall are my favorite times. I love the dramatic clouds we get in Spring, and the Fall colors are incredible.

What’s the key to doing what you love AND making a living?  Well I've only recently started actually getting some paid gigs, so I'd love to learn more about this myself. I think so far I've learned that you have to be confident in your talent first and foremost and recognize that you have something unique to offer, something worth being paid for. And then networking is huge... you've got to find ways to get yourself out there so you can develop referrals.

My dream vacation is… I would love to travel to SE Asia. I love the old Buddhist temples, the colorful marketplaces. I think the culture there is so rich, and the people are fascinating. I would love to photograph life in some of the smaller villages. Also, I spent several years when I was younger working and traveling in Europe. I'd love to go back again with the equipment and experience I have now. I am completely in love with buildings and ruins that are hundreds of years old.