Today we’d like to introduce you to Geno Murray.
Geno, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I got started in photography through the love for the art. My passion was Architecture and it was so fascinating to me having an idea in your head then having that idea drafted and brought to life more in a tangible form. I view photography the same but in reverse where the idea is to create a unique capture, blend your ideas, fuse the creative process and come up with an end product worth telling a story and sustaining that memory. The love further grew when I got into aviation and got close to an aircraft. The intricate details WOWED me. I guess it’s just the mind doing its own pictorial drawing/sketch and having that final product that brings that feeling of self-worth and fulfillment. Lastly, photography is my happy place. Everything around is art and poses that great shot. It takes me away and into a moment of peace. It was solidified with the birth of my son and wanting to grasp every moment. From an iPhone snap to a point and shoot camera, to wanting to take better pictures of him, to be encouraged to do it. Not much longer, I realized I was consumed. Later, it gave rise to also doing videography.
Has it been a smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it was a smooth road because the road in this industry is tricky and takes a lot plus you will encounter roadblocks along the way. It’s an industry that might take a while to hone your craft and fully mature into your skills. The most challenging part is the equipment. In order to stay relevant and consistent, you have to constantly be open to change. Technology has changed and so is the price. They say gears don’t matter but that’s a myth. It sure does enhance and makes your job a lot easier. Photography equipment ain’t cheap and to get the best comes more money. It was a struggle to balance quality and price. There are so much involved because taking a picture doesn’t end there. It’s a process. You need photo/video gears (cameras and lenses), lighting gears, editing gears and software (computer/LR/PS/CP1/Final Cut), printing gears, studio gears and it doesn’t get cheaper. The industry is also a constant learning curve. Don’t think for a minute you know it all. It evolves and transitions so you have to stay updated, current, constantly researching, reading, practicing and growing. It requires a lot of time and effort.
I must say that I stay focus on doing one thing. Delivering experience and a backing final product. As my motto says, “snap the moment, capture the memories.” It emphasizes what I do and what I’m about. I stay open to criticism, reinventing, staying humble, keep on building my relevant skill, learning from my mistakes and what I can improve on. All of those combines challenges your commitment and provide some limitations. It boils down to the love and I believe doing something that I love has kept me, inspired and motivated me to progress.
Lastly, this industry can be a shark tank. You have to be able to swim smart and fast since you’ll find others who will discredit your work. I never get into that because I’m all about love and respect. The primary thing is to focus your attention on the matter at hand, don’t be consumed by the negative, stay in your lane and distinguish yourself. Be original and not what everybody is doing. Most importantly be professional.
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