Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Swisher.
Hi autumn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In the late 80’s early 90’s as a kid my grandmother gave me a 110 film camera. I started to shoot photos and feel in love. Life goes by fast and it took me until I was in my mid 20’s to finally go to school for photography at PNCA a contemporary art school.
PNCA showed me ways to work that I never considered.
PNCA gave me the opportunity to transfer for a semester to Parsons. Through Parsons I spent a year in NY at the NYSP New York Studio Program and interned at the 20×24 polaroid studio.
Being in NY really changed my life and inspired me to create more work.
After college I began shooting jewelry for a friends company MAYA. This opened up way more designers wanting the same service. For the past 19 years I have shot jewelry as a profession. With work and life it became harder to make art. But I still push to make it. There is always 1-2 cameras in my bag where ever I go. When I travel for work, ride motos, or hike there is a camera. Part of my practice in the art world is to document my friends.
Over the last 20 years I have shot photos documenting the changes in life with each friend. Either in a studio setting or candid shots while we live our lives.
In the past few years I opened up to shooting in other styles. I began shooting all the people I ride motos with. Doing pop ups in many cities taking studio portraits of strangers. And taking dog portraits in a studio setting to create a memory for each pup.
Photography still has the same meaning to me as it did as a kid. The nostalgia holds on to me and keeps me moving.
I currently live in Bend Oregon, with my partner and dog. I run my business still and work with amazing high end jewelry designers. There is so much more to the story. Creating art has always been such an important way to live. Whether I am helping others document their work or creating my own I have created a life surrounded by amazing people and artist.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Everyone single person has struggles in some way. Money was always a issue when I was younger. Not feeling like I was worth it to go to college and still pushing to go. Not having a good base to start really made life difficult over the years.
For any photographer starting out its so important to slow down, to take a step back and see the actual direction you want to take. And then life just takes you where it wants to go.
As an artist there is always ups and downs. Thinking you are not good enough or being so pumped on work that you just want to make more. Being so connected to the work that it can be hard not to take things personally. Learning to not worry as much and to do the best you can helps.
We’ve been impressed with Autumn Swisher Photography , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
90% of my work consists of high end product photography for jewelry designers. The majority of my clients are smaller businesses owners that need white background images for line sheets, websites and PR.
I have also started offering more options for clients. Headshots, studio shots and lifestyle images.
The images are shot by me and edited by me. I choose not to send out work to other countries. Each piece of jewelry is treated as a portrait and I put a lot of care into making the images clean. I choose not to use AI, to keep my clients smaller, no corporations or companies I don’t believe in. My intention is to help other artists, to build relationships with clients over years, and to keep a practice of being connected to life.
To continue to be inspired. I want my work to evolve and grow. For new clients and old I want them to know I am interested in creating stronger images. I want clients to trust me to make amazing work.
I am really proud of what I built outta nothing. Creating a very specific company that documents the art of jewelry.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To let go of being stubborn. Learning about running a business and not putting that on the back burner. I always thought the art was the most important part. But to keep making art you need a little $ at the very least.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.autumnswisher.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnswisherphotography/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumn-swisher-bb9445b5/
