Our featured photographer, Terry Vick, is on active duty with U. S. Navy and his current assignment limits his access to broadband internet so we are unable to bring you a live recording of our interview. We sent Terry a list of our proposed interview questions and he was gracious enough to send us the following response.
Q&A Questions.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Terry Vick, i a 19 year veteran of the United States Navy as a naval photographer
Why do you do what you do?
I believe artistic undertakings are simply part of my calling and a vital part of my self deffiniton.
How do you work?
I like to conceptualize themes and shoot for given effect when shooting my own imagery. For the Navy i simply document any and all actions therein; training, deployments, daily operations and combat.
What’s your background?
IM grew up in small town Texas dreaming of travel and adventure and recognized photography as an avenue to what i was thinking,hoping and dreaming early on.
What’s integral to your work of an photographer?
An ability to focus on a vision of a possible finished product and its impact on a given audience.
What role does the photographer have in society?
The photographer ( at least the ones advancing their vision) have the same role as any other artist.
Explain what you do in 100 words
Document and translate for the American public the daily actions of its military,..i record history.
How has your photography changed over time?Since the fall of film and the rise of digital its expertise has been reduced but access to photography for the masses has been greatly increased. NO more hours of development and chemical workings in total darkness.
What art do you most identify with?
I’m both a qualified photographer and a videographer,..and those two arts are my personal favorites.
What work do you most enjoying doing?
Originally, since i began my career on-board a US Navy nuclear aircraft carrier and later served at NSWDG i was, at first centered on action photography (sports, outdoors events, aviation,..etc) But have switched my focus to travel and portraiture.
What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
1- Being influenced by various film makers and their films.
2- Wanting to join the military and live a life of adventure.
What themes do you pursue?
Travel has been my dominant theme but I’ve been concentrating on human interest for the last few years.
What’s your favorite photo?As a military photographer its the raising of the US Flag on top of Mount Suribachi by US Marines in WW2.
Describe a real life situation that inspired you?
Meeting a seasoned US Navy combat photographer while serving on the aircraft carrier.
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
too many to recount…LoL!
What jobs have you done other than being an photographer?
Just odd jobs B4 joining the military
Why photography?
I knew in high school it was what i desired to do.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
Knowing my classified work was reviewed at the Pentagon and highest levels, classified and sealed for decades to come!
What food, drink, song inspires you?
The rolling stones and any blues rock music
Name something you love, and why.
The feeling of experiencing another culture and being part of an event that most people will never know or understand.
Name something you don’t love, and why.
Not being understood,…it can lead to conflict
What is your dream project?
Every project is a dream project if you truly love what you are doing with your life
Name three photographers you’d like to be compared to.
oh wow,..sooo many,.more then three,.LoL,..Chase jarvis, Michael Clark, Annie Liebovitz, Dorthea Lang, Robert Capa, Brian Duffy,..many any more i can t remember at the moment
Favorite or most inspirational place?
Tie, .Hong Kong and Rome
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
My mother telling me to follow my dreams,..
Professionally, what’s your goal?
To achieve great commercial success after my military service.
