Meet Austin Warnock | Photographer

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

Hi Austin, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I feel like risk taking is a necessity. Fear is often times the single biggest thing that holds people back from taking risks or taking action and pursuing their passions in life. I feel like I’ve taken a lot of risks in life, and have often found that things work out, because even when they do not seem to, you still learn a lot in the process and it is very valuable to learn along the way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think the thing that sets artists apart is staying true to your vision. We certainly find inspiration in others, but it’s so important to follow your gut so to speak. For me, I like to photograph the things that interest me. I always look to get beneath the skin in a portrait, I think that is the key to good portraiture. You’re not only telling a story, but there is some mystery below the surface. Photography primarily deals with light on surface, to me, it’s about getting below the surface. I love meeting new people and using light and their environment to tell a story. I try to follow my instincts. Photography for me is more about feeling and being observant to the multitude of amazing things that are constantly happening around us, that we may otherwise overlook in our day to day tasks. I heard it said best- I think it was Robin DePuy that said “Only you can take your pictures”. I find a lot of comfort in that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to the out of the way places, where the locals hang out or tend to congregate. We would of course check out the restaurants that were recently awarded or nominated by the James Beard foundation, but I’d quickly try to take them to the authentic places that are true to the location. My favorite places are the hole in the wall dives that still create wonderful culinary experiences for their patrons. I think the most interesting people are those who are not trying to put on a show or a facade, but are authentically just being themselves.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would have to say that my wife Rebecca and my brother Shane have been very instrumental in my success as a photographer and also in encouraging me when things don’t seem to be opening up. I would also like to dedicate this to my good friend Kevin Dubal in Seattle, Washington. He has encouraged me immensely in my photographic journey!

Website: https://austinwarnockphotographs.com

Instagram: austihnneilwarnock