Interview: Photographer Jeff Hakojarvi (USA)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I always enjoy a good time whether it be searching for abandoned places , boating, long walks in the outdoors , motorcycling, car shows , movies , galleries, art exhibitions, really just going and doing something exciting and stimulating mentally or physically.

How and when did you get into photography?

I have always been into art, until tenth grade when I took photography one. There I was introduced to a prominent photographer named Jerry Uelsmann. Then I realized how artistic the photography medium could be. Mind blowing imagery not only by use of camera but darkroom processes as well. I spent alot of time in the darkroom processing images. I ended up doing photography classes at the community college while finishing our highschool my senior year. I was fortunate to have been in a few exhibitions across the state at that time and the rest is history.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography is a means of expression for me . Through color gradients, contrast, shadows, and highlights I am able to catch the eye of the viewer and pull them into my imaginative world, excitement, sadness, happiness, touchy topics and more.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

Hmm , that’s a hard one as I do so many differing styles. If I had to pic a specific one I would say Fantastical glamour with a touch of macabre undertones.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I gain inspiration from just really listening to the world around and amazing creatives some of which I have had a pleasure to know for quite some time.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

Sometimes I would say I do, if it was a well thought-out shoot with another creative or model. Sometimes I shoot just to shoot and figure it out along the way .

Studio, on location or both?

Definitely both. A lot more “on location” as I’m always looking for some abandoned area or thing to use as a backdrop to the creative I’m shooting.

I always enjoy Studio shoots as well and playing with controlled lighting and effects.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I would say a hobbyist. I do paid gigs but I love the freedom of it when I can just do my thing.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

My most memorable would probably be with two of the most creative people (Amber and Tabitha) I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Our energy seems to feed off of one another and what was supposed to be a short hour long shoot becomes so much more. We just get better and better images and 4,5,6 hours goes by like nothing. The shoot was a fantastical themed princess shoot at a park with Greek like amphitheater. Some of my favorite images came out of that session to date.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I shoot Canon. Favorite lens is the 80mm 1.2 sigma art lens

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Keep your head up, take rejection as a constructive criticism and use what you’ve learned to improve your vision. Remember that art is in the eye of the beholder, not one person will see things the same way. It’s normal to be turned down. It’s not a bad thing ,you just might not be the right fit for what’s needed at the time but your time will come to shine . Push through.

What do you think of our new magazine?

Absolutely wonderful publication. So many great images from so many amazing artist. Truly an honor to be displayed with them in the pages.

Thank you.

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