Meet Adam Lerner | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adam Lerner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adam, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
In college, I studied art and focused on photography where I had the opportunity to shoot, develop and print black and white in a shared darkroom and fell in love with the entire process. At the same time, I was playing guitar in 5 bands and after college, I decided to pursue music full-time while still taking photos with my film camera. Over the years, I had a few stints with corporate gigs, but ultimately realized I thrive best using my creativity to express myself and have been very fortunate to make a career in photography.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I didn’t have a traditional path into my photography career. At the age when young photographers assist and pay their dues, I was out touring with my band, so by the time I decided to turn my photography passion into a career, I was older and wiser but had to catch up quickly while the industry was changing. It was only a few years since commercial photography went from 100% film to mostly digital. At first it wasn’t easy trying to navigate the business and it was full with many challenges but I stuck with it was able to navigate a career. I actually think things are even tougher now with social media as content has become king and often quantity over quality. My photography has always been about storytelling whether it’s thru one photo or a sequence and I am super grateful that my early days of journalistic photography helped shape the approach I have now.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in New York City and over a week we could do quite a lot! So bring comfy shoes because we’ll be doing lots of walking! We would ride the subway out to Coney Island, walk the boardwalk, eat a Nathan’s famous hot dog, and take a ton of photos. Just the subway ride out there is pretty epic. Head out to Williamsburg Brooklyn for live music and amazing restaurants. Visit the Leica Meatpacking Store, drink incredible coffee at Terremoto and walk the High Line. Check out the Fotografiska museum and head down to Chinatown for more incredible food and photos. Visit the Rally museum and Morton St Partners. There’s really no shortage of things to do in NYC!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Early into my photography career, my friend Tad Low gave me a set of keys to his industrial loft studio in New York City allowing me to explore my craft and develop my skills. I was able to push myself and shoot a ton of 35mm, medium format and instant film as well as experiment with shooting portraits and editorial style shoots using natural and artificial light. Tad’s acceptance of me into his collective of creatives empowered me to take risks and hone my craft.

Website: adamlernerphoto@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamlerner

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AdamLernerPhoto

Image Credits
Adam Lerner