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All photos © Tom Hoops Photography

Happy accidents seem to be happening to me a lot lately.

While cruising Twitter with absolutely no goal in mind, I ran across a mention of Tom Hoops website. After viewing maybe 2 or 3 of his shots from his Heads series, I immediately tracked him down to participate in a Photo Profile.

I’m still totally astounded at how well he manages to bring a unique approach to his subjects – all the while doing it with such superb depth and control.

See for yourself, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments!

How did you get started?

Funnily enough I wanted to do some painting. I thought by picking up a camera I might capture some interesting people that I could then go on and paint. So initially a very good friend of mine offered his camera for a week or so.

I went out everyday and shot just about anything, most of my shots were street shots, people living in the slums and crowded streets of Bangkok. From then on I was hooked, popped out and bought a camera and I’ve not stopped since.

What is your core business?

The core is probably my portrait work and commercial shoots for fashion, music, etc.  I also sell a fair amount of prints through my website, exhibitions and through lensmodern in the UK. Having only just recently signed with Getty Assignment I am expecting my commercial workload to increase. I’ve also shot some journalistic work too for magazines but only when requested to do so.

How do you attract new customers?

Well my main marketing tool has to be my website, I keep the site up to date with new work photographically and use the blog to let people know about anything interesting. I aim to expand the blog this year to try and make it more interesting for those that make the effort to read it.

I also try and send out some emails when possible to introduce my work.

How do you promote yourself?

Emails, twitter, blogs, magazines, television and the internet. I try and put my name out there wherever possible. I’m due to sign with an agent shortly and that should open up things for me too. I’m not a member of any professional organizations as yet.

I think a good photo will do more promotion than a well crafted written email, so unless I’m outlining a story my emails are short and to the point. Editors, agents and image buyers are bombarded daily with images. It’s all about making some impact.

Editors, agents and image buyers are bombarded daily with images. It’s all about making some impact.

All photos © Tom Hoops Photography

What is the single-most challenging component of your business?

Doing interviews, I jest, but i do find them rather difficult. It’s a funny feeling knowing that some people are interested in what you have to say. I have done a fair amount of interviews now, both in the press and television. In some ways the written ones are more difficult as you have time to ponder what you are trying to say. I’m sure it gets easier the more you do though.

I shouldn’t complain though, I actually think I’m extremely lucky to be in a position where people think I’m worth talking to. The challenge for most of us is to get noticed, get our work in the minds of editors,buyers and clients. Interviews and showcases really help.

How are you leveraging technology?

I’m more interested in the compositional, creative and subject side of photography, I do all my own post processing and digital retouch if needed. Parts of it can be a chore but in general I really quite enjoy it.  I was working with all this software before I took up photography so I’m relatively lucky in that I don’t have to learn a whole new system for working on images. It’s a vital part of photography these days. I feel that some people get so caught up in the techy side of photography that they lose sight of the art and the creativity.

How would you describe your work?

Strong ,compelling, a wee bit dark.

It’s been described by others as beautiful,moving and inspiring. I just try and keep it simple. If it’s personal I shoot the sort of work I would be happy to have on the wall, If it’s for a client then I shoot to the brief and try to add a little bit of me. I am constantly trying to improve; do something a little better than last time – it’s always a learning process.

My work will evolve so this time next year you should probably ask me again.

I feel that some people get so caught up in the techy side of photography that they lose sight of the art and the creativity.

All photos © Tom Hoops Photography

Where do you plan to be in the next 5 years?

Wow it’s difficult to say. Ideally I wouldn’t be rooted anywhere. Everywhere has it’s benefits, New York, London, LA, Asia. I love to travel. In terms of the sort of projects I’ll be working on … I hope more of the same but with higher profile clients – and a few more exhibitions along the way.

Parting Comments?

Well a big juicy thanks to everyone here for asking me to do this. I hope I have not been too boring. I’m more fun if you meet me..:)…promise!

If anyone has any further questions I’ll be more than happy to answer, just drop me an email.

Insert your shameless plug here:

My site: www.tomhoops.com

All photos © Tom Hoops Photography