Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Kolodny.
Hi Jeff, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been taking pictures since I was 13 years old. My father, who was an amateur photographer, did a lot of travel photography, so I grew up looking at pictures. Every once in a while, my family would have picture night in which we would run a slide show of our vacations and travel photos. We would talk about why we liked a certain picture and what made that picture visually appealing. In high school, I spent most of my time in the darkroom or the electronics lab.
I then attended Adelphi University as a photography/video/
In addition, I was photographing weddings, corporate events, and bat & bar mitzvahs. Believe it or not, I also worked as a photographer for the Los Angeles Fire Department as an arson photographer. My life as a photographer was interesting, to say the least. One day, I’m shooting fashion for OPI, the next day a wedding, and the day after, I’m hanging out of a fire department helicopter shooting an arson fire.
In 2003, I decided to relocate to South Florida. Today, I’m busier than ever. My photography assignments range from weddings to bat & bar mitzvahs and corporate assignments.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I see photography as creativity mixed with problem-solving. This is true in both photography and in business, as well. While my photography career has included some incredibly fun and gratifying moments, my photography journey has not always been a smooth road. Photography has been and will always be a very competitive career choice.
At first, I spent many years working for some of the most famous photographers in the world. Professionals who rise to this level are not easy to work for. Ever seen the movie, The Devil Wears Prada? It’s not so far-fetched!
These people demand loyalty, constant devotion to excellence, and extreme flexibility. For those who are willing to work crazy hours, spend every penny they earn on equipment, and handle an endless stream of criticism, eventual success will follow. It’s a high mountain to climb, and to succeed as a professional photographer you must enjoy the climb, because the climb doesn’t end once you reach the summit. I’m always learning, pushing myself, and growing both as an artist and as a business person.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an artist, it’s my outside-the-box thinking, creative vision, and pure photographic skill set that makes me stand out. I’m most proud of all the photography awards I have won and of the wonderful five-star reviews I have received.
As a professional photographer, I specialize in event photography. All these types of photography require different and specific skill sets. My success as a photographer is in part the result of my ability to pose, direct people, & find the right lighting in any situation.
Clients, industry people, and many event planners tell me I can communicate, pose, and direct people in a way that makes everyone confident and comfortable, which makes me rare in the industry. Of course, my ability to deliver and follow through on projects helps too!
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
When I was starting I wish I knew that photography is not only an art, but also a business. I once attended a photography seminar in which the speakers asked, “How many people here are photographers?” Everyone raised their hand.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kolodnyphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeff_kolodny_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.kolodny.1
Image Credits
Jeff Kolodny Photography
