Today we’d like to introduce you to Wesley Holmes.
Wesley, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
This question is funny to me. Maybe it’s because I’ve never actually taken the time to step back from my work and trace any type of evolution, but I suppose now I have to. The early years started in a way I imagine is very similar to other photographers, I had just gotten a Canon Rebel and instantly thought I was a photographer. We look down on people for that quick commitment to a title, but I think that’s what forced me to evolve and grow? From there, a lot of research, online tutorials, embarrassing family photo shoots, gradually lead to where I am now. All these factors taken in conglomeration with a somewhat strained relationship with my dad eventually got me to the niche I find myself in now.
I currently emphasize women in my work. Whether it’s bridals or bloggers or just portraits. I connect on an artistic level with women more so than I’ve ever been able to with men (which is not to say I never will) and so I just decided to lean into that.
I want to keep evolving though. I want to expand into the studio space and broaden my scope to include film photography as well. I want to know photography on a technical level. I’m never completely content with my work and maybe that’s a good thing.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I briefly touched on this in the previous question but I try to capture women at what they perceive to be their absolute best. This bleeds over into bridals and fashion photography a lot. There’s something about aiding a woman on her quest for self confidence that I find so rewarding, maybe because I seek that myself? Maybe because I know how badly women need it? Maybe because the end result is always breathtaking? I don’t know, it’s some combination of all of these things.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Shoot what makes you happy to shoot. I’ve spent many countless hours taking pictures of things that I don’t enjoy and that’s not art anymore. That’s work. If you’re shooting something you’re passionate about, you blatantly cannot avoid leaving your mark on your work. I’ve also had people ask me where I see myself going with photography, like what are my goals. Honestly, I don’t care where I go with it as long as I’m still proud of what I’m doing and contributing something to the creative space.
Also, don’t be afraid to build on the framework other people have started. Bowie did it all the time. Find something that inspires you, try to recreate it but with your own spin. That is how the creative process works and the sooner you learn that there is nothing new under the sun, the better.
Finally, and this one isn’t profound, but just go shoot. Find someone to shoot. Ask around. Just do it, the more shoots you get the more shoots you get, which sounds ludicrous but is so true.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Mostly my work is just on Instagram at the moment. @fashion__dad is home to all my more creative stuff and @wesleyholmesphoto is where all my client shoots go. If you wanted to support me you would model for me! I’m always looking for people who are willing to try new things, but above all be vulnerable. Modeling is not easy, but if you’re willing to let go of the stigma against being a little bit into yourself, it can produce amazing results.
Contact Info:
- Website: wesleyholmesphoto.com
- Phone: 817-688-9941
- Email: wesleyhholmes@gmail.com
- Instagram: @wesleyholmesphoto
- Other: Finsta: @fashion_ _dad
Image Credit:
All these images were taken by me!
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