PAUL REDMOND
PAUL REDMOND is a long-time Chamber member and friend to so many of us in this community. As one of the Chamber’s contributing photographers, his thoughtful and striking photos of Silver Lake were featured in the 2011 Chamber Member Directory. Paul’s quick wit, community enthusiasm and observant nature make him a great collaborative partner and someone we’re always happy to see at our events. This month, Paul graciously opened his studio doors in Frogtown for our quarterly mixer, right on the banks of the L.A. River.
1. How did you decide to open a photo studio practice?
I became a professional photographer after working on documentaries. When I interviewed people, I saw key moments I wanted to capture in stills. I have a degree in photography, so effectively I returned to my intended profession. When I found a warehouse in a residential neighborhood on the edge of the Los Angeles River, I knew it would be a perfect space to work. I wanted clients coming for portraits to feel like they were entering a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. There’s a view of the San Gabriel Mountains, lots of nature and natural light. Clients say it feels like home. It matches my style of shooting, which is very conversational.
2. What inspires you?
Light. Composition. Faces. Moments. All the elements that come together to make images. I’m constantly looking for a photograph. For work, whether it’s a studio setup I’ve created, a location we’re at or an event I’m hired to cover, I always use a combination of those elements to make a picture. Put a camera in my hand, I’m happy.
3. How long have you lived/worked in Silver Lake?
Since 1991. I was born in Canada, but lived in San Diego in the 80s and would come visit friends who lived on Hyperion Avenue. It’s my adopted hometown.
4. Favorite neighborhood discovery?
Corralitas Rail Path. Everything about the history of LA interests me. I happened on it years ago and later learned it’s where the Red Line ran. I connect with nature’s ability to heal and reclaim its footprint. It’s a running theme in my fine art work.
5. What’s changed most about Silver Lake since you first got here?
Maybe “grown” is a better word. I think people make a conscious decision to make Silver Lake their home. As much as it is evolving it remains, arguably, one of the most inclusive neighborhoods in Los Angeles. If you have something to contribute that fits this core principle, it’s accepted with open arms. It’s exciting to see my friends open successful businesses, raise families and thrive here.
6. How did you decide to join the Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce?
I volunteered for several charity events the SLCC spearheaded. It’s important to get involved. I got to know the members. When I started my business, it just made sense to participate in the Chamber and continue working with my friends and neighbors in improving our civic and commercial life. Community service continues to be a passion, it’s rewarding. This month I start volunteer work as a mentor with Pablove’s Shutterbugs program. They teach children living with cancer to develop their creative voice through photography. Look them up.
7. What other member’s business have you experienced and would recommend?
Not only “have I” but “will I”. Suffice it to say I’m more likely to frequent businesses that are part of the Chamber because I’ll get a better product or service and a positive experience. It’s like our own Better Business Bureau!
8. What’s your favorite part about being in business in the neighborhood?
A lot of creative professionals live in and around Silver Lake. A certain type of person gravitates to this part of Los Angeles. Obviously there’s the multicultural diversity that is its foundation. I consider it home and I wanted to have my business be a part of that.
9. What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner?
The boss is a perfectionist and a technical geek. When I’m in the creative mode, I like to keep things light and flowing. The problem is we’re the same person.
10. What’s your motto?
Make celebrities feel like regular people and regular people feel like celebrities.
11. What would you want people to know about your work?
I shoot for professionals and businesses for the purpose of publicity and marketing. People want to breath life and character into what have traditionally been rather dry images.
I’ve been shooting since I was a kid. My experience shooting everything from concerts to events, on location and in the studio gives me an eclectic toolbox to draw from.
I enjoy mixing techniques to achieve effective images that suit a purpose. A successful image to me appears simple and natural while being anything but that to the educated eye. Sure, anyone can take a decent photo these days, but when they’re ready to take the next step, they come to me.
12. What do you have planned for 2012?
I’m expanding my customer base. Recently I’ve added two universities, a concert promoter and a financial firm as clients along with realtors, architects and, of course, family portraits which I continue to do. My shooting style fits the demand for branding in a growing number of industries.
PAUL REDMOND PHOTOGRAPHY
(323) 823 5001
mail(at)PaulRedmondPhotography.com
Photograph by MAC+COB