Meet Lance Skundrich | Photographer and Director

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

Hi Lance, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Consistency and perseverance for sure. I have never considered myself the most talented or skilled photographer. However I have seen people come and go in this industry because they gave up. As a freelancer, there are times when work can be very slow or very busy. When work is slow, you just have to put your head down and keep creating and working. That has been key to my success.

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.
So I have been a photographer for 13+ years now. I started out shooting a lot of nightlife. Those clubs and events eventually got me into concerts and then music festivals. After years of working festivals and live shows I got a little jaded and burnt out on it. I wanted to create images and not just capture what was happening around me. Thats when I moved to LA from San Francisco and really focused on shooting more fashion. At the time I was helping run a small print publication as well. That gave me an outlet for my personal work. Now having lived in LA for almost 11 years I have been very fortunate to shoot for brands big and small and have really grown into my own style and aesthetic. I definitely was not an easy journey but well worth it!

I’ve learned a lot over the years, like I had to let go of my ego. All that did was get in the way of building real relationships with clients and fellow creatives. I am most proud about the fact that I have just continued on with my photography career and have never given up!

As for my brand I just try and have as much fun with my work and I hope that is communicated in my work. I don’t like being overly structured on shoots. Sometimes the best shots come from the in between or from the random idea that came to me out of no where. Fashion and photography should be fun and I like to work that into my images.

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.
Sheesh a whole week!? I guess I’d want to show them the east side first considering thats where I live and what I know best. I love the outdoors so I’d probably start off with an early morning hike through Griffith Park. Griffith just has that full view of downtown LA and shows visitors just how big LA is. We would have to get a coffee at Maru probably , the one in the arts district though. Thats literally where I am sitting now. I would probably recommend checking out some Museums like Hammer and Broad but also its important to check out some of the smaller galleries too. Nicodim, Cory Helford and Superchief to name a few.

Next is food and drinks. We would have to go to Dunsmoor and/or Hatchet Hall. Brian and his team really know what they are doing! As for drinks I’m oldschool. I want a good local watering hole so I would take friends to The Short Stop, Might have to grab a glass of wine first at Tilda though. I think Echo Park is the best place for casual drinks with friends. Maybe meet up with my boy Johnnie who is a designer and runs his own brand New Bed Stuy. Or head to K-Town and meet up with our best friends Nick and Enna who are some of the best stylists in LA. They also know where to take anyone for a good time.

Last but not least we gotta ride some bikes around. I think a bike is the best way to really see LA. Ride your bike down Sunset Blvd one day and you’ll see what I mean.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are honestly countless people that I owe some credit. From producers, agencies and mentors to photo assistants, MUA’s and stylists. So for anyone who has ever worked with or collaborated with me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

As for anyone I can dedicate this to specifically I’d say it would have to be my wife for always supporting me and my creative ideas and endeavors. She doesn’t always agree with my creative ideas but she is always there for me when I need someone. I would also like to dedicate this to my brother! Without him I may have never even become a photographer. He always pushed me to follow my dreams, even if that meant quitting my job and moving into a walk in closet in San Francisco. I really owe so much to him! Thank you Bobby.

Website: lanceskundrich.com

Instagram: @shuttrskunk

Image Credits
All Images are of my own creation.