Meet Justin Irick: Photographer, Cinematographer, Director, Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Irick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking is an interesting topic in consideration to a career. Only because most people look at what a risk is differently. What may be a risk to me, may not be to someone else. Regardless, I do think it can be advantageous to take a risk here and there. Calculated risk of course. I usually only take a “risk” if I feel like it’s something that I can really do. Some would probably say, “well then it’s much of a risk if you think you can do it.” And they are not wrong, but that’s how I go about making those types of decisions. If I truly do not believe that I can do something that is being pitched, or that has come to my mind, then I will not do it. I feel like it is way worse to commit to doing something that you cannot do. If you say that you can and then you can’t, you’re going to let a lot of people down. Of course depending all on how big of a situation you create by not following through on your word. Calculated risk. Don’t ever commit to doing something that you don’t know you can truly do. Your word is one of the most important things. I have made the mistake myself, and it never goes well in the end.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When it comes to my body of work, I feel like there is a lot to cover. Things from maternity shoots all the way to NFL training camp coverage and metal music videos. That’s one thing that I love about my job and the way I choose to work. A lot of the time, people try and say to choose one lane and try and stick to it. Weather it be weddings, or just cars, and just portrait photography. I totally understand the idea of sticking to one side and mastering it though, especially if you really love that side of the game then go for it! Personally, I like switching it up and giving myself to challenges to take on and to come up with new ideas I never would have considered before. I think, through this, I can separate myself apart from a lot of other camera operators. Through having a wide ranging portfolio, each section being at the highest of quality. That way there is never a question if someone has a request for me, and if there is because it’s new? Let’s tackle the project and and kill it together. This thought process really helped me get to where I am today. Through constantly questioning and coming up with new ideas.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If someone was visiting the area I would try and make their visit as fun and memorable as possible. All the while trying to avoid anything too cliché. I would probably start off by taking a person to some wide open parks to just take in the scenery. Maybe even take them to a disc golf park, those are some secretly amazing spots for photos and videos too! Let alone for playing a round of disc golf. After that, we would have to try and some local eats to re-energize and then maybe check out the city itself. It’s always fun to walk the city streets and check out all of the beautiful architecture.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When it comes to support, it can be one of the most important things when starting to build your business. From family and friends, to your families friends and your friends families. These can be the best of people to support you in the beginning stages of your business. I have been fortunate to have people like my mom, dad, and brother directly pushing me and allowing me to stay focused through the years. Let alone trusting me and what I was doing, that can be the most important part. Not only has my family been extremely relevant in my career so far, but my close friends as well. People like Pauley, a person who is always trying to take things to the next level. A person who is there to listen, answer, and ask questions for you if you need it. A person like Scotty, someone who is always there when you need him. Wether it’s for making music, scouting new shoot locations, or even to just talk to about what’s going on in life. Scotty has provided a light in the midst of darkness, The Lobo Fuerte. Or a person like Jeremiah, an individual with a mind like no other. A person I can come to with any problem or situation and we can instantly start to break it down and conqueror it. A person who you can rely on. Honest and true. Individuals like these three are rare, but I guarantee you I wouldn’t be the person I am, or in the position, without any of them. I love any and everyone who is supporting, and I hope to be the same towards others.

Website: Irickimages.com

Instagram: @irickimages

Twitter: @irickimages

Facebook: @irickimages

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCi1ykVqtnHzAr403srWgFpA

Image Credits
Steven Bolin/Zackery Irick