Today we’d like to introduce you to Victor Scimeca.
Victor, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
To be honest, I never intended to become a photographer nor an artist for that matter. I professionally worked within the field of social work continually losing my work/life balance. I just needed a mental break and eventually left my career just under two years ago. I didn’t want to be stagnant with my “mental vacation”, and I purchased my first camera just to play around learning something new. I think somewhere between treating my art as I did social work and focusing on making connections and expressive work placed me where I am today.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I certainly wouldn’t say there has been anything smooth. The first year of my endeavors with photography also happened to be a very chaotic time between so many events/issues in my personal life and as well as dealing with the transition from leaving my career. I was overwhelmed with everything from the constant existential crisis to financial worries. Through it all, it was just a matter of perseverance and having only done photography for eight months, I decided to take a tour across the east coast for over a month. To afford the trip, I was living on a cliff bar a day and crashing at apartments of fellow models and photographers in the art community that have been overwhelmingly supportive. I eventually ended up financially stranded in NYC with no return ticket booked as I had a multitude of cancellations. I was frightened, and it was hard not being a well-known photographer. Thankfully, everything worked out, and I finished the rest of my tour. In the end, I had many a multitude of amazing connections with wonderful artists and made some of my favorite work to this day. From that period forward, everything only improved and the experiences keep coming.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Victor Von Goethe Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Primarily I focus on creative portraiture and art photography. There are a few factors that layer into the unique components of my work. I’ve lived many lives, being a former NCAA athlete, to working with diverse and fragile communities in some of the most impoverished parts of the US, to now being an artist. So, I never stick to one style of photography and always yearn to create something different. At first glance, everyone will notice how I love to incorporate color and vibrant scenes into my work. A little deeper, I feel my social work background very much influences my work. I love getting to know the people I work with and tailoring every shoot into something that isn’t just a part of me but very much a part of the individual I’m photographing. Despite being a complete introvert, I have such a deep passion for people and their stories that it fuels my work and keeps me moving forward.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My most current plans are to keep my travels going, visiting new cities and working with new artists who I admire. Long term, I’m looking to move into more video projects and experimental work. So, keep an eye out for things to come!
Contact Info:
- Email: vgoethephoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/victorvongoethe
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
