This week I got the chance to interview one of Instagram’s best photographers, whose photos you might have seen, like this one:
It’s Harold England everyone!
1) You’re both a model and a photographer How do you find it keeping up with 2 professions?
Well everything started out with modeling when I was first scouted a year or so back, when I was working at the coffee shop Dutch Bros. I have always had a great appreciation for photography, and getting into the modeling world just accentuated that love. Each photographer has such a unique style and vision, and I find it truly beautiful. I have always been a very adventurous person as well, so when I began shooting it was just with my iPhone 6s while on these little adventures. I began messing with filters, posting some on Twitter, and people seemed to really dig them. That excitement and encouragement really pushed me into this craft, and kept me motivated, and excited to create new and interesting content every day. Modeling is really sporadic, and you could have a job every week, or every month so honestly the two don’t really get in the way of one another, and I am easily able to pursue both.
2) If you had to choose between modeling and photography, what would you choose and why?
I would choose photography 100%… My agency has really been pushing me to be a runway boy, and in order to achieve that look you have to be incredibly lean and gaunt. It is very hard to maintain that kind of figure in a healthy way, and in my opinion modeling is far too structured. There is always something wrong with you, or something you could be doing better. For instance your hair’s too long, you have too much muscle, your proportions aren’t right etc.. Photography really lets me be the one in control, and I love that.
3) What were you doing prior photography/modeling?
Prior to modeling and photography, I was training to be a pilot at the University of Oregon. I have always had a great love for flight, and thought that was something I could definitely see myself doing for the rest of my life. Unfortunately soon after starting that school, I was diagnosed with ADD, and found the workload to be extremely challenging with my focus, and attention being so bad. The obvious choice would be to get medicine, but you are unable to fly if you are on any drugs, the ADD meds included. I sadly had to back out of that school, but right as I did I was approached by my now mother agency, Option Models.
4) Tell us a fact that no one knows about you.
I would say I’m a pretty open person, and don’t really have anything to hide.. however I don’t usually tell people about my ADD so I guess there’s that!
5) How was it working with Connor Franta? Do you think you’ll collaborate again in the future?
After working with Connor, I unfortunately had to sign an NDA stating I wouldn’t really talk about the experience. What I will say however, is that he is an extremely kind, and professional person to work with. I may being going down to LA very soon, so who knows what might happen with that.
6) We heard that you are working on your YouTube channel, how did you decide to start it?
The YouTube channel is still a concept right now, and i’m just saving up for a drone at the moment, which will be integral to a lot of the shots. I am thinking it will most likely be a very fun, and vibe-y adventure/ exploration channel. Through this channel I hope to show people places, and angles of the world they may never have seen. Stay posted on that though, because I have a lot of ideas, and am hoping to start shooting soon.
7) What would you be doing now if you weren’t a model/photographer?
I would most likely be in school, studying something I probably wouldn’t be that passionate about. Photography has really been an escape for me, and I can’t wait to see where it will take me next!
8) What project are you most proud of?
I have done a huge Nike campaign that was played in China, I am very proud of that, but I would have to say the project with Connor was one of the cooler things I’ve done with photography.
9) What are you most likely to do when you’re bored or when your camera(s) is/are dead?
I am actually a pretty big gamer, and am obsessed with the game Overwatch, I love hopping on with friends late at night, and just playing till the morning. Video games are really just a break from reality for me, and I love the stories and experiences you can have while playing.
10) Would you most likely fall for a person’s smile or a person’s eyes?
Eyes. When shooting portraits, they are the thing I really look for and try to accentuate. Photography has actually given me a much greater appreciation of the human body, because while editing, especially faces, you have to really get up close and its all in the littlest details.
11) What are you looking for in a girl?
I am a very active person, so that is one of the first things I look for in a girl, I love girls who are outgoing, funny, and willing to do something — go somewhere crazy at the drop of a hat, I’m a very picky person; this is probably the reason I’m still single honestly, but I believe the perfect person is out there for everyone, and you shouldn’t settle till you find them.
12) Who inspires you ?
When first starting photography, I was majorly influenced by the photographer @ryanmillier, and actually bought the same type of camera he has, because I was so inspired. He shoots cityscapes, and architecture. If you look back on my photography Instagram @haro0ld you can see all my Ryan inspired shots. Recently however, I am really inspired by my friend Paarsa (@pnh_) who shoots beautiful portraits, & flowers. I’m also inspired by the King of Oregon (@illgander) who just has the cleanest, most beautiful photos I’ve ever seen.
13) What do you usually do in your free days?
If I ever have a free day I will 10/10 times hit up some friends, and go somewhere I’ve never been before. My camera is permanently strapped to my wrist, so wherever we go I’m ready.
14) What do you use to edit your photos?
I started out by using VSCO on the iPhone, but that only got me so far. In order to do the crazy stuff I like to with my photos I needed a more advanced software. I decided to go the Adobe suite, primarily Lightroom where I began to create some filters, and looks I really liked with my pics.
15) Is there’s any advice you’d like to give to anyone who’s starting the photography or modeling soon?
Advice I would give for modeling would have to be; it’s not as glamorous as it looks, and can be a big hit to your ego. Don’t do it unless you have a strong sense of self, and wont give up easily. It is very cutthroat and can sometimes take a while to become successful at, but don’t give up. For photography, I would just say look at the world as if you are looking thought a camera lens. Be different, find cool angles, use props, pop colors. It really doest matter as long as you are having fun and being unique. Photography is all about creativity, so let yours loose. I’m excited to see what you will create. Just @ me on Twitter (@ShutterKlick) to show me the coolest thing you can come up with!
16) How does this newfound success make you feel?
It’s honestly just humbling. I grew up in a small town, and have always been pretty outgoing, but never thought I would be getting the kind of publicity I am now. I just want to say I appreciate it so much. Every retweet, or comment means the world to me, and all your positive vibes have got me this far, all I can say is thank you, and keep them coming.
17) What can we expect from you soon?
Well, I’ve had a few companies approach me about shooting their clothes and products, so the freelance work will hopefully keep picking up. Also, the YouTube channel will most likely be going in a few months, and I’m just continuing to push myself day by day. A website and store is in the work for anything from stickers to posters and clothes too!! Thank you to all of you who have ever checked out my work, and I can’t wait to keep creating new, and interesting stuff for you every single day. You guys rock!
