Today we’d like to introduce you to Neal Noir.
Hi Neal, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
As a young boy, just entering high school, and having always loved film and photographs, I discovered that maybe in my adult life, I could actually pursue or do those things as a hobby, or even as a career, and be a creative, instead of just a fan. In my early twenties, I picked up my first point-and-shoot camera, switched it to full manual, and just shot anything I could, or anyone who would let me, and learned through trial and error. Shooting friends, family, objects, pets, etc. As I got older and better refined my skills, I upgraded my gear and started working with other industry professionals, eventually settling in as a fashion photographer while also shooting my own original, usually movie-inspired concepts.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has had ups and downs, usually depending on what the economy is like at the time. Camera gear, computer gear, social media, editing software, models, make-up artists, hair stylists all cost money and time. There have been moments in my life when I was able to fully devote my time to building and expanding my portfolio and skills and times when I’ve had less time and had to devote myself more to the typical 9-5 in order to pay the bills and pay collaborators. So over time, I have had financial setbacks more than anything else, but most of my experiences growing as a creative, especially with other industry people, have largely been positive ones.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a photographer who has done it all, from weddings, engagements to corporate and product photography, but I specialize in portraits, what I call my own “cinematic” photography, as its style and themes are most times influenced heavily by movies, specifically the crime/neo-noir genres, and occasionally horror and erotica. I am mostly known for my provocative and moody portraits of women. My biggest influences from the photography world, when it comes to my portrait work, have got to be Helmut Newton and Josh Ryan. And the other side of that coin is how my visual style is heavily influenced by film directors. David Fincher, Christopher Nolan, and Michael Mann, just to name a few. My work stands out, I think, because of how I frame my subjects and the rough editing style. I enjoy what I call “tobacco-stained” colors. Monochromatic and de-saturated colors of blue, green, and yellow, with shallow depth of field. I prefer shooting on location in real-world settings as opposed to studio work.
What makes you happy?
Coffee for the energy. Women for the inspiration.
Time spent with my best friend/collaborator Courtney Stroup.
And cooking a good pasta dinner. Cause I love pasta.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.nealnoirphoto.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/nealnoir_
- Other: patreon.com/nealnoir
