Fashion Photographers: Grayson & Jamie Hoffman

October 28, 2016

GRAYSON HOFFMAN: Bachelor of Fine Arts – Photography, 2006

JAMIE HOFFMAN: Bachelor of General Studies, Minor in Art History, 2008 (Master of Arts in Museum Studies, Johns Hopkins)

WEBSITE: www.GraysonHoffman.com

QUESTION: Where are you currently working? 

GRAYSON HOFFMAN: Jamie and I met while studying at Southern and worked together at the George-Anne Daily. We were married a few years later and continue to work together as Fashion Photographers based in New York City.

Q. How did you get into fashion photography?

GH: It was a little bit of a journey. After graduation, I worked as a freelance photojournalist for the Savannah Morning News and eventually moved to South Florida, working for multiple media outlets. Through photojournalism, I was exposed to a variety of assignments including sports, portraits, street and sometimes even product photography. It was a great career, but I wanted to get back to the type of work I created while at Southern. Over time, I had become more interested in light and composition and wanting to control different areas of the photograph – which was not possible in the journalistic environment. I actually began with portraits of athletes, and that morphed into models, fashion and advertising photographs.

Q. What types of jobs do you currently work?

GH: We currently work with a variety of clients from the athletic, ready-to-wear and bridal fashion lines. Also, we do designer lookbooks and magazine editorials.

Q. What is your favorite type of work?

GH: I have been told that I am a very technical photographer. I enjoy working in a studio environment where I have more control of the lighting, composition and subject. I am also very passionate about my fine art photography and enjoy exploring ways to challenge my eye, camera and post-production skills.

Q. Where and/or how are you inspired?

GH: Jamie and I go on walks throughout the city with our cameras. We have a few travel cameras and film cameras that we use to explore, and I find a sense of clarity on these outings. I always return inspired and full of excitement as I go through the images.

Q. How did your experiences in the B.F.A. program prepare you for your career?

GH: The great things about the BFA program at Georgia Southern are not only the facilities and equipment, but the amazing faculty and the scope of the curriculum. Working on your art degree at Southern requires you to take a wide range of studio art and art history classes. This process, of stepping outside of your immediate interest, gives you a respect for different mediums and enables you to meet a variety of creative individuals. I feel that my photography has been influenced by all the artistic forms and experiences that I was exposed to while earning my B.F.A.

Q. Most memorable moment/experience with the B.F.A.?

GH: I was given the opportunity to work as the darkroom attendant while in the photography program. I would arrive before the students, prepare the room and chemicals, and when the classes were finished, I would help other students and clean everything for the next day. It was an amazing experience and those skills and the work ethic required continue to inspire me today.

Q: If there was one thing you wish you knew before you graduated, what would it be?

GH: While you’re completing your studies, no matter what the degree, your competition is the other students in your program – they are your critics and the people with whom you tend to compare your work. But on the day you graduate, your competition suddenly becomes the best people in your field. So, remember to set your goals high and grab everything your instructors teach – you’ll need it all in the real world. Oh! And use the RAC, normal gyms don’t look like that!!

Q. Where would you like to see yourself, career-wise, in 10 years?

GH: Hologram Photography, just kidding. In 10 years, I hope to be working alongside Jamie, creating lasting photographs and continuing to show my fine art pieces in gallery (maybe even museum) shows.

Q. Are you involved with any professional organizations?

GH: Georgia Southern Alumni!! ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers), APA (American Photographic Artists) and NPPA (National Press Photographers Association)