Today we’d like to introduce you to Clay Thomas.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Here Is a little insight on why and how I got started in photography & film. My first run in with a camera came back in 2008 when I was a musician with a group called One M.I.C. We would spend countless hours and sometimes spend the night up at the studio just shooting videos funny videos in between sessions and I just kind of fell in love with it but at the time music was my passion and to be honest with you it still Is. I’ve always told people I have three passions in life and they go in this order 1. People 2. Music 3. Photography. After my divorce 2 years ago, I wanted to get back to doing something I enjoyed and something I was passionate about.
As much as I wanted to be on stage as a musician I was honest with myself and realized that wasn’t meant for me but I still craved being around music so therefor I bought my first legitimate camera 1 year ago and just started shooting and things just kind of started falling In place after that I shot my first music video which for my good friend Ron Bultongez who was a top 12 finalist for American Idol this past season for a song called “New Cycle” and decided that is truly the route I wanted to purse. Music like I said has always been a huge passion for me because it really moves people within themselves and I think the same can be said for photography and film. I am currently in the progress of shooting a music video for another good friend and brother River Jude so keep your eyes peeled because the dude is seriously talented and really has a passion for touching people through the lyrics of his music. Photography for me has seriously been a true blessing the friends and the amount of love and guidance from the people I’ve been blessed to meet through this transition into a new passion of mine has seriously meant the world to me! Always pursue your passion and pursue it with love!
Please tell us about your art.
I am a freelance photographer/cinematographer and I really just shoot whatever captivates my attention whether its musicians or just regular everyday people I just like constantly creating. Music videos are ultimately what I want to pursue because music has saved me through some really tough times in my life and I enjoy bringing the visual aspect of the story to life in hopes that It may help someone who is struggling out there. My message of inspiration is “Spread Love” spread love in whatever you do in life because we are all human and I believe regardless of our race, political, religious, sexual preference or gender we are all people and we all deserve love and respect from one another and I hope that through my photography and film work I can really spread that message.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
I think that the biggest challenge to artist is truly resources in general mostly financial backing because in order to create at a high level It takes money as well as networking. Many artists it’s tough for because many of them use music to voice their story and opinion and believes on various topics but struggle with the social aspect as far as networking goes and I’ve personally found networking is extremely crucial to growth as an artist. My advice is to surround yourself with people who not only love and believe in you as a person but also believe in your art. Just surround yourself with genuine people I guess is my point.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can see my work by following me on both my photography Instagram page which is @ClayTPhotography as well as my production company page @pavorproductions. If you would like to see the music video I shot and Co-Produced head over to the following link on YouTube.
Contact Info:
- Address: Dallas,TX
- Phone: 214-578-1603
- Email: claytphotography@outlook.com
- Instagram: @claytphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClayTPhotography/
- Other: @pavorproductions
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