Conversations with Callum Sharkey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Callum Sharkey

Hi Callum, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi! My name is Callum, I was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, and moved to Cleveland a year ago after graduating from college. My passion is photography and filmmaking; I love capturing the world around me and sharing that with others.

I’ve always been interested in photography to some extent – taking pictures on any camera I could find, like my family’s point and shoot or a disposable film camera – but my father was my biggest inspiration. My dad was interested in photography from a young age as well and would shoot and develop his own film. I have many memories of him letting me hold and look through his camera as he explained the settings and what to look for.

While Rhode Island will always be my home, I have come to love Ohio and all the amazing people I’ve met here. Cleveland has such a rich and up-and-coming creative scene, and I’ve been so lucky to meet some incredible artists, musicians, and fellow photographers since moving here.

I’m currently working on an ongoing photo series where I aim to document the life and diversity of my town of Tremont, Ohio and hope to release my second photo book within the next year. I’m also collaborating with other artists and musicians in the local area, filming music videos and shooting at some venues around the city.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced as a photographer is forgetting my creative purpose: losing sight of what made me fall in love with photography to begin with and the bigger picture of what I aim to ultimately create. It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of life in the current age (capitalism and romanticism don’t often get along) and staying on track with my creative goals, but I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned in that respect is often just to go with the flow. Follow and listen to the creative sparks when they happen and simply see where they go.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I shoot a wide variety of subjects in my photography, from purposeful portrait sessions and events to street photography and still life, but ultimately I believe everything and everyone has a story to tell; I aim to capture and show that through my photos. Even seemingly mundane moments happening all around us every day are filled with beauty and poetry and meaning, they just need to be shown in a certain light. I see the value in these moments and hope I can tell at least part of that story.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The thing I love most about Cleveland is the creative energy. On a week-night at a seemingly quiet bar or venue you’ll find an amazing band or musician playing to a receptive audience; fairs, festivals, and markets happening all over packed with talented artists and crafts-people; unique murals and art all around the city, and hidden gem bars and restaurants all over. It has an up-and-coming energy that is infectious, and everyone in the scene is so kind, encouraging, and collaborative.

What I like least about the city — as a street photographer — is that sometimes downtown Cleveland is too quiet! I’d love to see more people out and about.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.calsharkey.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calsharkey/