Jim Jurica is a professional fashion photographer from Chicago, Illinois. Jim’s fashion photography has a unique style so when we checked it out we were really keen to share his portfolio with you. Read on to discover how Jim would define his personal style, what fashion means to him and what he does to relax when not working.
Jim Jurica Photography
Jim Jurica Photography
Yves Saint Laurent - Perfect Touch
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Q: How did you get into professional photography?
I got started in the photography business almost on accident. What began as a hobby to document the wildflowers I saw on nature walks quickly turned into a full-time business. I began selling my work through iStockphoto.com back in 2004. I remember cringing when I submitted my first batch of images and thinking “they’ll never accept them.” But they did, and a few months later I was the featured photographer of the week on their site. Things took off quickly from there.
Q: What do you enjoy most photographing?
I shoot just about everything. But when I discovered model photography in 2007 I was instantly hooked. There’s something about the interaction with models and randomness of the human element that produces unpredictable (but often rewarding) results.
Q: How was 2010 for you?
2010 was a great year for me personally and professionally. I purchased my first home and had my best sales year ever.
Q: Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by anyone I photograph. I try to sit and talk with my subjects as long as possible before I ever photograph them. I try to figure out who they are and how I can work their personality into the images.
Q: What makes a good photographer in your opinion?
A good technical photographer gets all the nuts-and-bolts stuff right. A good artistic photographer turns interesting ideas into images. A good commercial photographer knows how to sell his or her work.
But a good PHOTOGRAPHER can do all of the above.
Jim Jurica Photography
Jim Jurica Photography
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Q: Do you prefer using film cameras or digital?
Digital only.
Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?
Location shooting is always frustrating to me, especially with the unpredictable Chicago weather. Studio photography is definitely my comfort zone because I can control all the variables. But it tends to be a bit sterile and predictable and I often prefer my location work.
Q: Do you have a specific style of photography that makes you unique?
I believe I used to have a unique style that was recognizable. Dark imagery exploring themes of repression or loneliness, done in a mildly humorous way. This past year I’ve devoted myself to more conventional imagery that I feel doesn’t reflect my personal style… but it does pay the bills. In 2012 I look forward to a return to more original imagery.
Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?
Of my own? Impossible to answer. Images are like children and we love them all, despite their flaws.
Q: Who is your favourite photographer?
I like images… not photographers.
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
At its most basic fashion = product. From a photographer’s perspective, fashion done right is a chance for everyone involved to express themselves through their contribution to the final image.
Jim Jurica Photography
Jim Jurica Photography
Hypnose Senses
Q: How would you define your personal style?
Tongue in cheek. I like to include elements into my images that are really only interesting or entertaining to me. Like an inside joke. And I love the idea of a “Persian Flaw.” It’s said that Persian rug makers intentionally introduce a mistake into their handiwork to humble themselves, because the only perfect thing is God. I try to incorporate that concept into my work as well. Just a random, distracting element that draws a little attention away from the subject.
Q: Where are you based?
Suburban Chicago, Illinois. (United States)
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
Chicago is like two worlds in one: the city and the suburbs. When I had my studio in the city is was a constant stream of interesting characters coming by at all times of the day or night. Definitely a more artistic crowd and that reflected in my work. Now that I work out of the suburbs, things are more professional and I shoot more conventional imagery. I can’t say that either is better – just different sides of the same coin.
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
Selling my first image. It was a real sense of validation to think that someone would spend their hard-earned money on my work.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in 2011?
Travel, travel, travel…. and get paid to do it.
Q: What do you do to relax?
Watch movies. I’m in love with streaming video.
Jim Jurica Photography
Jim Jurica Photography
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Q: What songs are on your ipod at the moment?
I don’t own an Ipod or MP3 player. But I do have music playing at all my studio shoots. Jurrasic5 is playing a lot lately.
Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?
Photography eats up just about all my time. I’m fortunate in that I have a hobby that’s also a career. So it doesn’t usually feel like work.
Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for aspiring photographers what would it be?
Don’t spend money on new gear thinking it’s going to make you a better photographer! Learn to use what you already own, to its fullest potential.
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
After many years of pondering that very question I have yet to find a sane answer. I simply love what I do.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
Photoshop exists… embrace it.
Jim Jurica Photography
Jim Jurica Photography
Emporio Armani
Editor’s Note: Jim Jurica creates intense and dynamic fashion photos with his appreciation of light, shadow, movement and the human form.
If you’d like to learn more about or contact Jim Jurica just follow the link below to his website:
web page link: http://www.JimJurica.com
e-mail: JimJurica@hotmail.com
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