In today’s age of smartphones and social media, photography has become an integral part of our daily lives. With a simple click, anyone can capture a moment and share it with the world. However, this accessibility has inadvertently led us to undervalue the true artistry and importance of professional photographers. They are not merely image-capturers but storytellers, capturing the essence of a moment and conveying powerful narratives.
Photographers play a crucial role in various industries. In advertising, their visual expertise helps shape brands and connect with audiences on a deeper level. In journalism, photographers serve as the eyes and ears of society, bringing us closer to important events and shedding light on untold stories. They have the power to break barriers and evoke emotions through their lens.
Griffin Riley understands the significance of his craft. Having a background in the fast-paced sectors of journalism, Griffin has experienced the intensity of capturing breaking stories and covering emotionally charged events. However, he now finds joy in creating positive experiences for people through his work with Lemonlight. Check out the full interview with Griffin below, which with leave you both laughing and inspired to chase your passions:
How many years have you worked with Lemonlight?
I’ve been shooting for Lemonlight for almost two years now!
Favorite project at Lemonlight?
There’s been a lot of cool ones, but I’d say number one is definitely the Iridium x SpaceX launch. Sure, we weren’t able to actually see the rocket take off because of the 4AM fog, but it was still incredible to be there, to hear it, and to tell my friends and family I was hanging out on a Space Force base.
What’s the best part about working with Lemonlight?
It’s fun and easy. I come from the world of photojournalism and sports photography where there are no “take twos” on the game winning play or where you cover emotionally exhausting events like vigils for victims of terrorism abroad, so taking my time to photograph actors who are happily sitting in a premium massage chair for ten hours is an incredible change of pace. Plus, the crew is always incredibly fun.
Why do you love the video production industry?
While there’s no shortage of think pieces that articulate the difficulties of the production industry, I must say it’s intoxicating getting a job done well with a crew of your peers and, more importantly, seeing it published. Can you get better hours and probably better pay working an office job or in the trades? Certainly. But on the flip side, it’s pretty darn cool when I log onto Amazon and see photos I took and edited published all over their homepage.
What’s your favorite crew snack/meal?
The Chili Cheese Fritos. I’m sorry to anyone on the crew I’m working with who also likes this flavor, because I’ve already sniffed them out and put them inside me. You don’t have a chance to beat me to them, I’m sorry. (I’m not sorry).
Do you have any advice for those just starting in the industry?
Three things:
Your attitude means everything.
Work hard.
Network hard.
For your attitude, nobody wants to work with a scrooge nor do they want to work with an overly chipper person on a really bad day (something I’ve been guilty of). Be aware of your attitude, because it affects your reputation.
For hard work, there’s so much money involved in any production, so every second you waste is a second wasted for everyone on set and the client. Don’t break your back to do the impossible, but don’t be a slouch either.
And for networking hard, you never know where the crew’s careers will go and what the next shoot is. Maybe your director on set yesterday is the Spielberg of the next generation. Maybe the way you eagerly approached a shoot for a small toy company landed you in the good graces of the producers and they rewarded you with a shoot with a Fortune 500 brand or a government contract. You’ll never know if you don’t make those meaningful connections. Build your network. And don’t touch my Chili Cheese Fritos!
