Jay Reilly has been kind enough to take some time out of his schedule tell us a bit about his life and his work as a photographer in Oceanside California. >>>Read past interviews
ephotos: It must be nice working out of sunny Southern California Jay?
JR: My studio is located in what is referred to as Artist Alley in Oceanside, California. Oceanside is a beach town on the verge of rejuvenation and rebirth. This studio is the base for my production and shooting. However, I am involved in location photography whether that takes me one block to the beach or several miles to the streets of Mexico, or, for that matter, to any location that offers interest.
ephotos: Is that right, you worked in a cubicle before becoming a photographer? What were you doing there?
JR: I have worked in the marketing department of a few software and internet companies in San Diego. Marketing provided me with the ability to appreciate the importance of design and layout but to also realize that I did not want to limit my ability to a 6 by 6 foot space.
ephotos: When did you realize that you could make a living shooting pictures?
JR: I have always had an interest in photography, a passion that was encouraged by my grandfather who was an avid photographer. Then my wife gave me a new camera for my 30th birthday. I was looking for a different way to make a living and was willing to do what I had to to turn this passion into a profession. My wife had just given birth to our first son, and I called in my two- week notice at the software company that day. I just knew there had to be a better way to support my family...or I should say, better for me.
ephotos: Was there a photographer that inspired or influenced you?
JR: While there isn’t one specific photographer that influenced me, I have always been drawn to the California lifestyle that I have seen depicted through photography. But I think what has become more of an inspiration is the ability and opportunity to reproduce the sense of that lifestyle through visual images.
ephotos: What type or what style of photography do you shoot?
JR: I predominately shoot lifestyle imagery for catalog, stock, commercial and individual clientele.
ephotos: What type of equipment do you use?
JR: I mainly shoot with Canon Digital equipment (1ds m 2), However, I occasionally dust off my 6x7 film equipment and have even been known to use my Holga on certain shoots.
ephotos: What’s the worst thing that has happened to you during a shoot?
JR: I locked the car keys in the rental car with my equipment. I now keep two sets of keys in two different places.
ephotos: Tell us about your website, http://www.jayreillyphoto.com .
JR: My site is designed using flash. A few years ago I was looking to create a new website and fortunately I was shooting for a client (Theta Interactive), a talented and innovative group of designers. From then on we have worked in tandem to create ITDR (www.intothedarkroom.com), developing innovative products for photographers including websites, photo-proofing, slide shows, logs, with more to come. All the ITDR sites are search engine optimized.
ephotos: Do you have a rep or agent?
JR: I am currently signed with Select, an assignment division of Aurora Photos based in New York City. It is a non-exclusive relationship, and I am keeping my options open.
ephotos: Where have you been recently?
JR: My recent assignments have keep me local lately; however, I have had a few shoots that have taken me all over Mexico and to Mammoth on recent assignments.
ephotos: Do you ever just shoot for fun?
JR: Absolutely! Every shoot is fun and even the ones I take for personal reasons have the potential to become great stock images
ephotos: Do you deal with any stock agencies?
JR: I deal with two agencies. My first agency is Aurora Photos. My images placed at Aurora also have distribution channels through Getty Creative and Corbis. I recently have been contributing to Jupiter Images via Workbook.
ephotos: Do you feel like you’re being treated fairly by your agency?
JR: I am very pleased with my relationship with Aurora. The time and attention Aurora gives its photographers is really impressive. My relationship with Jupiter is still in the initial stages. I think any photographer certainly will get more attention the more that
person contributes.
ephotos: What do you think will be the next big trend in the photo industry?
JR: I look for more multimedia, stop motion, photo video, voice over and rich media for both narrative, news, and commercial application and distribution. I am trying to combine HD and photography as much as I can to prepare.
ephotos: Do you use a resource site or publication?
JR: I am continually reviewing websites, magazines and publications.
ephotos: What are you working on next?
I am constantly working on projects whether they be assignments or self-assigned stock or personal shoots. I am currently shooting for Jet Set Model based in La Jolla, CA and have been invited to participate in Aurora15 (aurora15.com), a 15 year celebration of Aurora Photos. I am regularly submitting to Jupiter this summer and will do so in the fall while working on new product ideas for ITDR, and announcing a few very casual fun shooting seminars at the Oceanside based studio.
ephotos: You seem to spend a lot of time at the beach, are you a beach bum?
JR: Fortunately, my job requires me to spend a significant amount of time at the beach. I am the hardest working beach bum you’ll ever meet.
ephotos: What do you think about what we’re doing at ephotos?
JR: I think your energy and innovation mirrors my own approach to photography and to be asked to contribute to what you are producing is a great honor.
ephotos: Is there anything else you’d like to say about yourself or your work?
JR: This whole interview has had the feel of a peer-to-peer learning experience. It has allowed me to reflect on what photography means to me, and if I can share my experience and enthusiasm, I am more than happy to do so and make a contribution to the photographic community.
ephotos: Thanks so much for giving us a moment with you and sharing your experience. We’re sure that everyone will appreciate what you have told us today. Stay in touch, Jay, and always keep the focus!