Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian Findley
Hi Ian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Well, my story is a little spicey but let’s get into it. I was born dirt poor, in fact laughably poor. The national poverty line was an annual goal for my single mother and grandmother. Went through public school and discovered a passion for art. Partially as a means of expressing myself and honestly partly as means of getting away from the environment at home, which was rapidly falling apart due to my mothers drinking and my grandmothers health. We ended up homeless, then came foster care. Through all this I drew. In my early twenties I discovered photography along with alcohol and then it was a race against time for the next 15 years to see which one would win. Eventually through all the hardships I got sober and returned to making art, bought a camera, a bunch of equipment that was well outside of my humble budget, and started marketing myself. Started landing weddings and personal shoots and that coupled with my 9-5 job have enabled me to invest even further into my art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Good God no, lol. As mentioned there was plenty of household trauma and drama not to mention CPS and foster care. Plus my own personal demons that had to be dealt with along with literally not knowing what I was doing cept that I loved doing it. Going from the streets to a full time job and running a small business continues to be a learning curve.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a for hire photographer and videographer, but I specialize in concept photography and abstract photography. I’m known for a darker, more dramatic aesthetic similar to 90’s David Fincher films. I’m MOST proud of the concept portraits I’ve shot for others, finding neat and dramatic locations and turning an a scene into a SCENE. I tend to shy away from a lot of “Nature, Landscape, Automotive, Wedding” photography crowd (nothing wrong with it, great money, just not my thing) and generally the people that hire me hire me because they want that “Ian” look. You hire anyone to take a picture and it will probably be a very nice picture if they’re a good photographer. People hire me for a tone, and I like that.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes, I’ve learned that people would rather believe “facts” that line up with their opinions than reshape their opinions to fit the facts. I’ve also learned that a lot of people are shockingly opposed to doing something very simple (wearing a mask, washing hands) for the good of others and themselves.
Pricing:
- Flat hourly rate – $65.00
- Concept shoot – $25 per shot
- Business portraits – $75.00
- Weddings – Negotiated at consultation
- Maternity – $65.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iefproductions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iefproductions/
- Other: https://bsky.app/profile/iefproductions.bsky.social
