Nowadays with advanced iPhone cameras and fun filters, most everyone has tried to play their hand in photography. However, not everyone can say they’ve shot celebrities such as Gigi Hadid, Oprah Winfrey or Cardi B. North Fork native Carl Timpone has captured hundreds of glamorous moments: the Met Gala, the Golden Globe Awards, New York Fashion Week, The Governor Ball Music Festival, you name it, or who for that matter.
Timpone has been a professional photographer for about seven years now, but began using photography as a medium for his artwork when he was 18 years old. Prior to entering college, Timpone said he had difficulty expressing his creativity through painting, sculpting and drawing, but knew he wanted to spend his life creating some type of art. When he discovered the works of Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison and David LaChapelle, Timpone realized photography was the best fit for him. He said their works have inspired his own photography now:
“Both ParkeHarrison’s surrealist negative blending and LaChapelle’s conceptual celebrity portraiture inspired me to continue on the path that I am on today.”
Timpone attended Adelphi University where he focused on film photography and the trade of developing darkroom photos. He now resides in Greenport, as a New York City and Long Island-based photographer.
Below is our interview with the creator behind these images.
What are you most inspired by in photography? What do you love to photograph the most?
Color, light and concept. When these three things come together, whether it be organically or controlled, I become inspired. What I love to photograph changes as the years go by; at the moment I am enamored by reflections and waterscapes, which is what I am basing my most recent series of work on.
Carl Timpone/BFA.com <http://bfa.com/>
I would imagine it’s every photographer’s dream to shoot at the Met Gala. How did you get the opportunity to take pictures at events like the Met Gala, etc.?
Photographing the Met Gala is pretty surreal. There are so many amazing outfits and moments it’s hard not to get overwhelmed! The agency that hires me for many of these jobs, BFA, has been super supportive when it comes to setting me up with interesting and creative assignments.
Carl Timpone/BFA.com <http://bfa.com/>
What is it like to photograph A-List celebrities, just feet away from them?
Honestly, it doesn’t really sink in until I am reviewing the images back at my office. I think it’s important to keep a calm and welcoming mindset when working with celebrities. At the end of the day, they are just people and want to feel comfortable.
Carl Timpone/BFA.com <http://bfa.com/>
What is your advice for photographers who are just starting out?
First and foremost, you are an artist. As an emerging artist you must experiment. A camera is a tool, try out different types of photography (documentary, portraiture, conceptual, etc) and find out what you are most attracted to. The industry and career path you should pursue will become apparent through the work you are creating. Here’s the caveat…you have to be okay with being broke for the first year or two and accept the fact that you will be taking on low to no paying jobs just to get your name out there. With that being said, it is those “clients” that will inevitably connect you with bigger opportunities.
Carl Timpone/BFA.com <http://bfa.com/>
What’s your favorite part about being a photographer?
The freedom. As a career, you have the freedom to manipulate your path to match your desired lifestyle. As an art, you have the freedom to manipulate a scene to match your vision.
What’s the hardest part about being a photographer? How do you overcome it?
The lack of security and unorthodox lifestyle/working habits. I practice meditation.
Carl Timpone/BFA.com <http://bfa.com/>
Did you ever have times you doubted yourself/your career? If so, how did you find the courage to continue moving forward?
Yes. I actually think a balance of confidence and doubt is what keeps artists moving forward and innovating. When I get down and doubtful, I think to myself; “What would I be doing if I stopped being a photographer?”…but its a bit of a paradox because I would then respond..”I would be taking photos.”
