Conversations with Corey Forde

Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Forde.

Hi Corey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Corey Forde, and I’m a 33 year old photographer from Cleveland, Ohio.

I started taking pictures at the age of five, thanks to my late uncle, who gave me my very first camera. One day, after I told him I struggled to remember things, he handed me a camera from his personal collection and said, “Now you can’t forget.”

Around the age of 17, I decided to take photography seriously. I got a job and used my very first paycheck to buy a DSLR. From that point on I accepted every opportunity I could, from weddings and birthday parties to creating mock product photoshoots. I had no idea what I was doing, but I truly enjoyed every second of it.

As the years passed, I began receiving opportunities for more professional work and earned recognition from my peers throughout Ohio. That momentum eventually led to shoots with brands like Nike, Saucony, and Mazda, as well as a full-time photography position at Kicks Lounge, a fashion retailer in Akron, Ohio.

I’m still with Kicks Lounge today, and now I’m beginning an exciting new chapter with my media company, 480iProductions. I’m looking forward to seeing where this journey takes me.

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?
Not at all, and truthfully I can’t imagine that any creative in this world has had a smooth road.
A few years into my professional journey, someone broke into my car and stole all of the camera equipment I worked for. Thousands of dollars, and hundreds of hours gone in an instant. I thought about quitting then, but I made a promise to myself that I would never give up.

The death of Uncle a few years ago broke me completely, and I lost not only a Father figure, but a core part of my inspiration and motivation. He was the entire reason I ever picked up a camera.

I promised him I would get a photo on the cover of Time Magazine one day, so I’ll continue forward to see that through!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Nowadays, I’m known for being a bit of a generalist. From event recaps to high production commercial campaigns, my work spans a wide range of disciplines and requires me to adapt to many different styles of photography. Outside of client work, I’m best known for creating dreamy, surreal, and abstract portraiture, along with street photography and landscapes.

What I’m most proud of is the versatility I’ve developed across each genre. I don’t believe being a “jack of all trades” is a bad thing. In fact, I believe there’s real value in embracing multiple interests and skill sets. That versatility has become one of my greatest strengths and is something that sets my work apart.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The Walkie Talkie episodes on YouTube from Paulie B. He walks the streets with well-known photographers and picks their brains while they shoot photos.

Those get my mind right any time I’m in a slump.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://trickroom.co
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/trick.room
• Other: https://instagram.com/kickslounge