Today we’d like to introduce you to Hank Pearl.
Hank, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I went to school for film production in New York. I came to Chicago amidst the Recession to finish my higher education and; alas, I graduated cum laude with a degree in film production and no film.
Finding a job was not easy. But I had a Nikon and was hungry. So with a camera and craigslist, I went to task as the cheapest photographer in the Windy City. I sucked. So I kept swinging for month after month until my images started to come together with more fluidity.
Eventually I made contact with a video podcast of which I was an avid viewer. Underground Video Television (UVTV) was integral to my enjoyment of Heavy Metal music videos while I was in college. And serendipitously I was asked to be the young blooded gun to shoot the Metal scene of Chicago and all of the bands and activities therein. This was my niche and my break. In such a rough and cantankerous subgenre of Rock, you’re allowed to have a little motion blur, warts, and grain. It was a great place to get start.
Shooting polemic metal bands bled into shooting provocative and erotic burlesque performances. Burlesque led me to shoot night life and clubs. Shooting high-end clubs led me to brands and their various field installations. Everything continued to snowball and cross over provided I could break my back and deliver what was required steadfastly.
And when you enjoy shooting chaos, it’s not that chaotic of a work environment.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Every second is a battle. Why shouldn’t it be?
From the onset you have to master, or at least attempt to master, your craft. You have to figure out what tools / gear you want, what you can actually attain, and then how to bridge the gap between the product you want to create and the product you actually realize.
Then there’s the challenge of networking in a flooded, digital age. How do you find the client who needs your services, has the budget to sustain you, and has a project that you may actually enjoy doing? This trifecta is NOT simple to attain but all the worthwhile once discovered.
But just trading emails with a prospective client is not a success. It’s not even a hit. You have to have clear communication to get what someone wants, in a timely manner, submit it in a manner to their liking, and hope that they do not return on the back end request edit after post edit. You have to deliver.
Throw in some digital media branding on several platforms and maintaining a presence in the various realms, and you can see the number of plates that need to be spun on a continuous basis.
Lastly, as one who creates digital media, there’s also the topic of piracy, stealing, and violations of permissions of use. All of this has happened to me. The least fun part of being a freelance artist involves shaking down a client for late or lack of payment and /or reaching out to an entity for lifting content unlawfully. Honestly, this is the one cog in the machine I would love to deal with less. But it’s a necessary one so I handle it as needed.
Black Pearl Photo – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I think it is clear at this point what I specialize in. Simply put: if it’s loud, half-naked, and screaming in the dark, I’d love to shoot it. If it’s a local business looking for fresh flare, I absolutely admire giving a helping hand. And I always leave room to shoot for nonprofits – good causes should not be left to muckrake with hobbyists. It’s a treasure to lend my lens to make a positive change and market a good movement.
In regards to what I am most proud of: I like being able to put my name on the product I create and deliver it with full confidence. It’s honest work, I believe.
I also have the privilege of documenting almost every day on the job. My office changes every day and my photos are my memories. No time is forgotten.
I believe that what sets me apart from other photographers is my customer service really. I am NOT the best photographer. I see others with styles and tones that I envy but, for one reason or another, they are not living off of their craft. For some it’s just a side hobby. For others the gamble and hustle may not be there. I’ve also met amazing photographers who could not network to save their life. Most of all, I often hear from clientele that they have dealt with photographers who can come, shoot, and communicate well but take two months to deliver their photos!
I hear and see these notes often. So for that, I make sure to alleviate these factors from the onset.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
That’s a tough one. My criteria for success? Honest work with a decent wage and little community participation.
In professional photography there’s not much room stardom: you’re BEHIND the camera after all.
I do enjoy when I meet someone who knows my work before they know me. I’d rather my work be more recognizable than myself. I will light up on the off chance I introduce myself to someone only to be received with, “Oh, YOU’RE BLACK PEARL PHOTO! Dude I saw that image you shot of ________. That was dope!”
It’s not an everyday occurrence. But in an age inundated with media and dense iconography, to have some I shot stand out to someone, that means a lot.
Contact Info:
- Website: black-pearl-photo.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/blackpearlphoto
- Facebook: facebook.com/blackpearlphoto
- Twitter: twitter.com/blackpearlfoto
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.
