Hey Thorpe. Tell us a little about yourself and your history with Denton.
My name is Thorpe Griner and I moved to Denton in 2001 from Dallas, to start a new job. I wasn't sure how I'd like Denton when I first arrived, but quickly found myself really enjoying this growing city. My #1 hatred of living in Dallas was the traffic. So the ability to get anywhere in Denton in about 15 minutes was pretty awesome. While I work in the I.T. field, photography has been a growing passion for the last 16 years. It started when I had to take photography in college has grown from there. You can see some of my work on my website here or on my Facebook here.
How would you describe your style of photography?
At first thought I was going to say I don't really have a style. But, everyone has a style whether they know it or not. I shoot many different genres of photography but I think with people I tend to lean towards an editorial style, but that can change depending on the shoot.
Are there any other pros or cons when it comes to being a photographer in North Texas? If so, what are they?
This all depends on what you shoot. If you're a landscape photographer, North Texas is horrible. Take a vacation and go shoot Colorado, the Grand Canyon, New York City... then return to Denton. Everytime I return home from traveling, I struggle to motivate myself to pick up the camera. Not that there's nothing to shoot here in North Texas.
You just have to be creative and create what you want to shoot. Whether it's a killer portrait, a cityscape or local event. It takes a little more research, patience and luck to build a quality portfolio if you do most your shooting here. You can rarely just walk out your front door and find an epic photo opportunity.
You seem to shoot a lot of stuff with the local roller derby team. How do you go about representing them in your promo shots? Do you feel as if this team is marketed as well as it should be in town? Why or why not?
Yeah, I've shot roller derby for the past 3 years. I shoot for the North Texas Derby Revolution here in Denton (NTDR), and the Dallas Derby Devils. I enjoy shooting sports and roller derby is not only challenging to shoot, but a lot of fun as well! It's a volunteer role with the leagues. But it's nice being able to offer the skaters the opportunity to buy photos to remember their days as a derby girl. I try to post only my best images of each event. I feel this is beneficial to not only me but to the leagues. As for marketing, the derby world depends on word of mouth and social media. Most the leagues don't have a huge advertising budget, if any. So it's nice to be able to promote and market them through my photography.
What’s your favorite photo that you, yourself, have ever taken?
I always enjoy taking a photo and turning it into something the people who were there will look at and say "Were we even in the same place?!". I was able to create a very cool image with a photo I took while visiting Pompeii Italy. I turned a very flat light, overcast evening into something you might see in a movie. I took the photo in 2007 and to this day it remains one of my favorites. (editor's note: the photo in question is pictured below)
What’s your favorite location to shoot in Denton?
I like to shoot in places that are not really recognizable so much as being Denton. So I can't really say I have a "favorite location". I'm always on the hunt for new locations. A good location is a place which can give my photos a new look and feel. I try to avoid the cliche Denton photo locations (unless a client insists on using it). When I see portraits shot at the Courthouse or at Old Alton Bridge, I want to gouge my eyes out. lol
Do you find it difficult working in a relatively small market that is heavily saturated with artistic-types and having to find potential gigs?
Honestly I don't. Every photographer is at a different level, a different place on their journey in this craft. So I believe everyone naturally finds the type of client who is a fit for them. Also, so many people shoot so many different things. For example, I don't shoot weddings. While others are content only shooting weddings. Everyone finds their niche. The DFW/North Texas area has plenty of photo opportunities out there. You just have to look to find them.
Have you found much collaboration in the Denton photography scene or has competition beat that down?
Ha! While there always has been and always will be photographers who feel ultra competitive among their peers, I've found Denton photographers to be fairly open to share and collaborate with. I've always been involved in one or more camera clubs/groups, so I enjoy collaborating with other photographers. On the flipside to this topic, Denton is comprised of mostly hobbyist, serious enthusiast and student photographers. That in itself leads to a less competitive atmosphere. Once someone turns that hobby into a full time profession, competition becomes more common because they're trying to make a living. And doing that with photography, isn't easy. That said, even a full time pro can benefit from collaborating and networking.
What’s in your camera bag?
If I'm going on a photowalk event, I limit myself to no camera bag. Just my camera with one lens. If I'm on an actual shoot, my camera bag contains 2 camera bodies, multiple lenses, multiple flashes and lots of various accessories... because I go into "boy scout- always be prepared" mode. I hate the feeling of coming up with a creative idea and not having the gear to make it happen.
Who is your favorite local photographer? Why?
I have a lot of friends whose work I really admire. When it comes to engagement portraits and weddings, the work of Shaina Sheaff just floors me and reminds me why I should just stick to what I'm good at. Another is friend Rocky Phillips and his passion for wildlife and macro photography is inspiring. Great stuff! Also there's my buddy Stephen Masker, who's a very talented photojournalist. I really enjoy following all of their work!
Are there any other photographers whom you view as inspiration?
I follow so many accomplished and some unknown photographers that sometimes it all becomes a blur. But a few really stand out and influence and inspire my work. I really enjoy learning from Joe McNally, David Hobby, Scott Kelby and many other pro's. And the portrait lighting and editing of Peter Nguyen is amazing. This list could go on and on. I follow A LOT of people.
What’s your dream photo shoot?
One of my favorite things to shoot is travel photography. Traveling, seeing the world and sharing it with others is what I really enjoy. One of my long time dream shoot locations is Antelope Canyon. And in a few short weeks, I'll be turning that dream into reality. I'm very excited about that!
Are there any other photographers whom you view as inspiration?
I follow so many accomplished and some unknown photographers that sometimes it all becomes a blur. But a few really stand out and influence and inspire my work. I really enjoy learning from Joe McNally, David Hobby, Scott Kelby and many other pro's. And the portrait lighting and editing of Peter Nguyen is amazing. This list could go on and on. I follow A LOT of people.
What’s your dream photo shoot?
One of my favorite things to shoot is travel photography. Traveling, seeing the world and sharing it with others is what I really enjoy. One of my long time dream shoot locations is Antelope Canyon. And in a few short weeks, I'll be turning that dream into reality. I'm very excited about that!