Meet Scott Thompson of Scott Thompson Photography in North Side

Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Thompson.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in a small rural town in central Illinois and was interested in a career in architecture and lucky enough to have classes in my high school, so I could get a taste of it. But I needed a way to pay for college. Two weeks after graduation, I left for basic training for the Air Force National Guard to help me find a way to pay for college and to learn essential qualities, loyalty, integrity, honor, motivation, and discipline. When I returned, I changed my mind and received my associates in graphic design. After I graduated, I started working as an art director for a hotel company, after three months I realized sitting behind a desk was not for me. I went back to school and received my BFA in photography. The same time, I went back to school, I switched jobs in the Air National Guard as a photojournalist and went through the Department of Defense photography school.

After graduating with my degree, I moved to Chicago with $50 in my pocket, first months rent on a sub-lease, and no leads on work. I started finding work as a photo assistant, hustling and learning the ropes of the business. During that time, trying to work on taking my photography to the next level.

In 2005, I made a choice to stop assisting and started shooting full time, at first, I was taking everything and anything that I could get work. During that time, I did not have a style or direction with my photography.

In 2010, I realized the type of work and what my photography talents were. I was great at storytelling, so I changed my business plan and started to go after advertising clients looking for that rare story of real people doing real everyday things.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth ride, and I am glad that it hasn’t. All the ups, downs and failures have only made my business stronger. It is a competitive game and a hustle that you need always to be working. I like to be pushed to keep my edge and creativity on point. I am still scheduling new personal projects to work on to show my talents and new directions.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Scott Thompson Photography – what should we know?
I am a Lifestyle, Adventure and Motion Photographer, and Director. I capture stories of real people creating real moments for advertising brands with images, video, and animation. I am based in Chicago; however, I spend most of my time traveling worldwide.

Winning assignments that allow me to create the kind of work I want to do is what I am most proud of with my business. It has been a long road to find my style but lucky to be receiving jobs to use it.

What sets me apart is how I tell my stories of people. I get to know the people, spend time, blend in, anticipate and being inconspicuous to capture those real raw emotions.

What’s your favorite memory from childhood?
My brother and I spent a lot of time with our Grandfather, one of our favorite past time was playing poker for hours at the kitchen table. He was one of the funniest people I knew and would make my brother, and I crack up to the point that we would wet our pants. Our mother would send us over to his house with extra changes of clothes knowing that would happen. Every time he would make us laugh, we would have to change the clothes, and when we ran out of clothes that were the time, we would have to come home.

Contact Info:

• Website: scottthompsonphoto.com
• Email: scott@scottthompsonphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottthompsonphoto/

Image Credit:
Scott Thompson

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