More about Aaron J....
What do you love about your job?
It may be cliche, but it really is all about the stories. I love the people I get to meet and photograph through my work. It's rewarding and refreshing.
What types of shoots have you done and how did you make them special?
I've done a lot of portraiture and product photography. I like to talk to people for a little bit as I'm setting up the studio. It gives me an idea on what to ask them/talk to them about while I'm doing the shoot. I think that allows a little bit more of their originality to show up in their poses and actions while I'm photographing them.
Product photography is more singular in that it's only me and the subject. The business owner may add a little perspective on what they're looking for, and I enjoy trying to capture that exact image, but I also like taking a brainstormed idea and running with it.
Also, product photography allows for some creative technical workarounds. For example, if a hot drink isn't steamy enough I'll microwave a wad of wet cotton and it'll give off some nice billowy steam. Ice cubes melting? I've got a variety of fake glass ice cubes. I take the time to make it look right, and enjoy that process.
Awards, honors, and recognitions received
Several projects I've worked on will be nominated for the 2019 Minnesota Magazine's Publishers Association Best Of awards.
A fun fact about this photographer
I spent a lot of time as a young adult hitchhiking around the country.