We had the good fortune of connecting with Earl Gibson III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Earl, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
One of my favorite quotes comes from The Godfather of Soul James Brown. It was actually the  lyrics of one of his songs. “I don’t want nobody to give me nothing, Open up the door and I will  get it myself” Those words have been so important in my life because at the end of the day all  we ever want is to simply be allowed access. I understand that we must all prove ourselves  worthy but some more often than others. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I remember my father buying himself a Nikon Nikormat camera when I was around 8 years old.  I would hide downstairs in our basement and pretend to act in the manner I thought a  photographer would act while on fashion shoots as well as African Safaris. I was determined to  be the best photographer I could be. I was a shy kid and didn’t really get a chance to meet a  lot of girls because I attended an all boys high school on the Southside of Chicago. Whenever  we had major activities I noticed that all the girls immediately became my friend because in my  mind everyone loves having their picture taken and I wanted to be the person they called.  There are several lessons that I’ve learned in my career. One of the most significant lessons  has been to always be patient and wait for the right opportunity in everything. My work is  uniquely my own and I’ve also learned to never duplicate the work of anyone else and to  continue to imprint my own style no matter what.  

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My friends have always loved coming to see me because I truly enjoy getting out and  discovering the city. I’m originally from Chicago so I was used to activities all around me. When  anyone visits I usually plan out what we will be eating first because I consider myself the  ultimate foodie. I enjoy trying out new restaurants and am forever looking for those no so  familiar places where most often the best food hides. I enjoy visiting parks and beaches as well  as discovering the beauty of nature. I love attending plays and enjoying live jazz music  whenever possible. I think Los Angeles is a beautiful city to show off so I have yet to run out of  places to see. I grew up listening to Jazz music and have had the fortune of working for the  Miles Davis Family for the past 15 years. 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents are more than deserving of all the shoutouts I could ever give. My dad was a Steel  Mill worker in South Chicago and from him I learned integrity and honesty. He worked all his life  to ensure that our family wanted for nothing. My childhood was wonderful, I wish that children  today could experience what it means to just enjoy life without all the trappings they’ve now  grown accustomed to enjoying. My mother stood in the gap and ensured that I was always  encouraged and supported. She allowed me to dread and photography was one of my favorite  day dreams. She affirmed for me that no matter what I decided to do or be, I simply needed to  be my best. 

Website: Earlgibson.com
Instagram: GipIII
Twitter: EEGipIII
Facebook: Earl Gibson III

Image Credits
Photography By Earl Gibson III

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.