Modern Visionaries : Greg Noire
The large spectrum of photographers has offered many people to view different aspects of life. The direction that a photography can depict the way that moment in time was portrayed. The freeze frame captured by the person behind the lens sets the scene and someone who executes this with precision is Greg Noire.
The Houston based camera man has established a name for himself with his sharp photos and eye-popping details in everyone of them. Noire has garnered the attention of many and taken pictures of Drake, Jhene Aiko, Justin Timberlake, Slim Thug, Vic Mensa, Chance the Rapper, and more. This high profile list of people have put him in a position to be the go to guy for Hypebeast/Hypetrak when it comes to taking pictures.
Even during his busiest hours, we had a chance to speak to Noire about his career, what it takes to be the best photographer, some of his most memorable moments, and more.
How's your modern life?
My modern life is busy, but amazing. What makes it amazing are my brand spankin’ new baby boy and my always encouraging and supportive wife. Besides them, photography is keeping me occupied and satisfied.
What inspired you to become a photographer?
Actually, my little brother, Winfrey (“Free”-producer and member of rap group, The Niceguys). He’s always been a great photographer and his photos inspired me to delve into this extremely rewarding field. The funny thing is that I used to be music producer, so we kind of had a little role-reversal going on.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to have success?
Well, as you know, success is relative, so, in terms of photography, I still have a way to go to reach the goals I have set for myself, but getting to where I am now was not easy. A lot of the obstacles I needed to overcome to become comfortable behind the lens were mostly internal. I am extremely critical of all of my work, so displaying my photos for people to see caused some anxiety in me because I had no idea how the images would be received. Getting over this hump was a long process, but it was one that allowed me to get over my self-conscious nature.
Among your work, whats your favorite piece and why?
Man, that’s a tough one. I don’t think I have a particular favorite, but I do have a few that I really love. One would have to be a shot that I got from a fire dancer earlier this year. Hands down the coolest session I’ve ever done. There’s actually a few photographs from that shoot that I plan on selling pretty soon. Besides those, I have a shot of Downtown Houston that I captured from a turbulent helicopter ride in June. I’m totally afraid of heights, so I was 100% scared as hell, but the pay-off was well worth it my trepidation.
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you began taking interest in photography?
I wish I knew it was OK to suck for a while.
What’s your creative process when shooting?
I have somewhat of a method, but I am hesitant to call this process “creative”. It’s kind of like shooting the breeze while taking a few photograph and hanging out. I like a conformable client so my sessions are aways laid-back. When it comes to live shows, I get a good amount of photographs of the performer until I feel comfortable with what I have, and then I wait around for moments. Like a crowd surf (fav), water bottle toss, or guitar break. These are the moments that validate my love for the craft.
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
Learn the basics, develop a style, progress within that style & stay true to that style. No one needs another someone else so being yourself and sticking to what you do best, which is being you, is key to being memorable and creating memorable images.
Do you have any photographers that you idolize?
Yes-13thWitness is the man.
What's the best experience you've had in life thus far?
Well, I have 3. Getting married, watching my son being born (like, literally WATCHING), and photographing Lollapalooza. Lolla was the single most inspirational event I have ever photographed. Being commissioned to shoot the festival with other extremely talented photographers and editors was the best.
See some of Greg Noire's work here.