Photography Classes – Alum Photography Spotlight, Arian Camilleri
Photography classes or photography programs are literally a dime a dozen. You certainly will find your fair share of offerings. What makes a photography program different from all the others? We primarily gage the success of our programs based on the success of our graduates. Today we are sitting down with Circus photography alum, Arian Camilleri to demystify the life of a commercial photographer.
Where is home?
I live and work in Brooklyn, New York.
How did you find The Creative Circus & why did you decide to study here?
I originally found The Creative Circus when doing research on photography schools in the Atlanta area. At the time I was living in Atlanta and looking to further my education and this was one of the places on my radar. I decided on going to The Creative Circus after visiting the school and interviewing. I really liked the relaxed atmosphere and the small classes. The school gave me a sense that I would really be looked after and given the attention that I needed.
Examples of work Camilleri did for Durex campaign:
How long have you been a photographer?
That’s a difficult question to answer. If we are counting the professional years and making money from it I would say about 12 years at this point. Although that does include some assisting of other photographers along the way.
Describe your style & subject matter.
Overall I think I try to approach my subject matter in a more art based point of view rather than from just a photographers point of view. I’m always looking to do something different or interesting. Not so straight forward or expected. Some of my work is technically not even a photograph. I did a a few editorial series using sun print paper. I also like to do as much in-camera work as possible.
My subject matter is usually fashion accessories but I also photograph people and landscapes in other projects.
Examples of Camilleri’s work for Tory Burch:
What type of cameras do you work with?
I almost exclusively use a Nikon D800 these days. I use to use medium format digital and 4×5 cameras but have since moved on from those.
What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
My favorite camera accessory is a right angle view finder. Although I use a 35mm DSLR, I have always preferred the top-down view of the Mamiya RZ67. I find this gives me that similar feeling.
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Yikes! One lens…. I’ll cheat a bit here. If I was to only have one lens in-studio it would have to be a 50mm. This lens would cover just about every situation. My choice of lens for on-location would have to be a 35mm. I love to see a bit wider angle of view and I find it is a good angle that is close to what the human eye sees without being distorted.
What’s your best piece of advice for an up and coming photographer?
The best advice I could give to an up and coming photographer is to make pictures all the time. Photograph as much as you can, as often as you can, and with the highest standards that you can. I’m going to add one more piece of advice. Assist with photographers that you admire and aspire to be. This is the best way to get on track for the career you would ultimately like to have.
View Arian Camilleri’s portfolio, and here and here. You can follow him on instagram.