Today we’d like to introduce you to Cammi Garrett.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was really young, I used pictures and television to relate to the world around me. I still do. Many people in my family are artists, as well. They are a mix of professionals and hobbyists. My dad is one of them. While visiting him in Colorado one spring, he took me up the mountains to see some really cool sites. On our way up, he pulled over at a lookout point and took out his camera. I asked him if I could try taking some pictures of this beautiful view, too. He hesitantly said yes as he handed me the very expensive camera. I took a few shots and let him inspect my work. To his surprise, they were really good. He complimented my use of the “rule of thirds.” I looked at him in confusion, as I had no idea what he was talking about. My dad spent the rest of the car ride explaining this technique to me. What I heard was that I was a natural!
I went back home practicing this new technique on my phone with anything and everything I thought was “pretty”. Later that year for Christmas, my dad gifted me a camera. Not just any camera–an Olympus EM10 Mark 1. This was a professional DSLR camera. I was a pro now! I spent so much of my time perfecting my techniques and practicing my skills that eventually, I went off to college to major in photography. I learned so much–everything from technical camera work to studio setup, to shooting, developing, and printing with film. I loved every minute of it! But then the classes shifted focus and became more about gallery work. However, I knew this was not the direction for me. I was more interested in using my knowledge for social practices. Although, I wasn’t quite sure how to do that…
After a magical summer of winning a scavenger hunt, put on by a boyband, opening for a big-name artist, and getting to meet them, I knew what I had to do. I was going to take my technique, skills, talent, and love of photography and bring it into the entertainment/media world! I started researching all new types of photography: concerts, performances, events, weddings, etc. I learned who the big players were–and who the talents were. I then learned where the best opportunities were, and strategized how I would now make this all my new reality. So, I moved to Austin, TX.
At 23 years old I have worked as a photographer with the Austin Film Festival, a well-known country club as their on-site photographer, and as a wedding photographer. After my first year in Austin, this is what I have accomplished. I cannot wait to see what I will do next!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Aside from the shift in directional focus as a photography major, I have hit some other bumps along the road. One was the lack of information while researching my new path into the entertainment/media industry. It is a very close-knit community and they keep trade secrets close to the vest. I have found that most of the time the people in that industry aren’t super open to discussing how someone–like me–who wants to work in their industry would get their foot in the door.
I started reaching out to a lot of people from all different backgrounds in the industry to see if I could get some guidance. I was not as lucky as I had hoped, but I kept at it. I wrote more emails reaching out to people. I revamped my social media presence. I use Linked In like I use Instagram and TikTok. Eventually, I did get a few answers. Not every question I had got a response, but I got enough answers to connect a few of the dots. The more I work at it, the more I’m starting to figure it out. I’m only 23, so I have plenty of time. One thing I can say is it really does help being in the city where so many of the industry’s events take place. It isn’t always who you know. Sometimes it is just as simple as being in the area. (You quickly learn where all the events and opportunities are that way.)
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a photographer with a special interest in the entertainment industry, I specialize in people pictures. Portraits isn’t the word I would use, as I do much more than just take a photo of a person. I coordinate looks–from wardrobe to makeup–I scout locations, I plan themes, I set up lighting and backdrops, I create and provide props, I pose and direct my models, and much more. I am a one-woman production company. I have played every role. Done every job. That is what I am most proud of throughout all my years of work. I am knowledgeable in every aspect of what it means to be an art producer.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
It would be incredible to find a group of creatives to bounce ideas off of, get inspired with, and collaborate with. I believe you are who you surround yourself with, and I have not found my creative community yet. Aside from this, I am open to all different types of collaboration. Especially musicians and other performers that are also looking to make their way into the industry. If you need album art, a music video, dance photos, performance shots, venue work, etc., I’m the photographer for the job! Just contact me through my website or Instagram, and we can get started. If you don’t need any work done but still want to support me, please share my work with your friends and family. If you post about my work, make sure to tag me. I am pretty friendly on socials and will definitely send that love right back!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cammigarrett.myportfolio.com/work
- Instagram: instagram.com/cammi_garrett
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.
com/@cammigarrett?is_from_ webapp=1&sender_device=pc
