Up-and-coming photographer, Randolph Garrett, sits down with OBVIOUS for a Q&A interview to discuss how he got started as a photographer and what keeps him inspired.

Name. Randolph Garrett

How did you get started as a photographer? I received a camera one summer as a birthday gift to myself, I fell in love with it. I started taking pictures of close friends and family. After about a year or so, other people started showing interest. I took some time and I decided to make the move professionally in 2012, so far it’s been a great move.

As a up-and-coming photographer, what are your favorite subjects to photograph? I have grown to love architecture. It’s possible that’s something that you may see me doing later on down the line. Outside of architecture, my camera roll has random food that I cook, my dog and random things that inspire me when I am out.

Who are your dream clients and why? Name 5.
-Alexander Wang: I love his aesthetic; shooting his work would be a game changer.
-Adidas: I’m a big fan of their shoes. The opportunity to shoot some of their sneaker campaigns would be amazing.
-Rihanna: She’s fearless and she looks good in anything.
-Solange:  I like her sense of style in both music and fashion. I know that we would produce some great work together.
-V Magazine:  I love how in touch they are with music & fashion. They would be the perfect client.

Do you find it hard to get noticed as a photographer? Ironically I don’t. It’s not something that I think about. I am lucky that I get to work and meet with new people all the time.

What type of marketing do you use to promote your work? I use Instagram and Tumblr. I’m learning that word-of-mouth is still extremely effective.

Where are you from and where do you get your influences? I am from Silver Spring, Maryland. I shoot in the Washington DC area and I am currently playing with the idea of LA and NYC. I get a lot of influence from the music that I listen to. Music has always been a driving force in helping me set the tone for my work.

We’ve noticed you love shooting black-and-white images with deep shadows and contrast. Is this your look? Yes, at least for now anyway. I love the mood of a great black-and-white image. Deep shadows and contrast always play very well together.

If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be doing as a career? I have many interests, however, I can’t say for sure that I would choose any of them as a career. If I had to choose, I think I would like to shoot and direct music videos and short films. When I hear a song I like, I always imagine what the video would look like. I think that’s something I would be great at.

What is your favorite junk food? I am addicted to Talenti Caramel Cookie Crunch Ice Cream. I want to try their other flavors, however, the names are so wacky so I am a little nervous.

Continue to follow Randolph Garrett below:

RANDOLPH’S WORK