Episode 82: Randal Ford / Award Winning Portrait and Commercial Photographer

Award winning portrait and commercial photographer Randal Ford joins the podcast to talk about his new book "Animal Kingdom" and to tell the story of how he went from a business major to quickly establishing himself as an accomplished editorial and advertising photographer at what many would consider a young age.  Although Randal fell in love with photography early on his high school years, he would go to study business at Texas A&M without much consideration of a possible future as a photographer.  During his college years he decided to join the university newspaper as an extra curricular activity, and quickly remember why he loved photography in the first place.  Before long he got his hands on his first digital camera and the learning curve elevated exponentially.  When he graduated, he wrote down a goal of shooting covers for the respected Texas Monthly and began the slow process of trying to form his own aesthetic and create a name for himself.  Before long he accomplished that goal and began rising up the ranks and shooting for much bigger clients all while still in his early 20s.  Known for being a shooter that could achieve a very hyper real look, and crediting influences like Norman Rockwell, Randal would go on to create a signature look and help companies like L.L. Bean with vintage looking campaigns.  During our conversation we talk about not getting pigeon holed by one look and how he has continued to evolve his style, his aesthetic, and his goals for the future.  We also talk about what it was like trying to take control in the chaos of shooting al the different animals for his latest project, trying to make the transition from commercial photographer to fine art photographer, having a good idea of what you want to do early on in your career, and the advice he gives to others coming up in the world of photography.  

To Learn More About Randal Ford Visit:

https://www.randalford.com

To Purchase his book Animal Kingdom Visit:

https://www.rizzolibookstore.com/animal-kingdom-collection-portraits

To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit:

http://www.visualrevolutionary.com

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