Meet Troy Upperman | Photographer

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

Hi Troy, what matters most to you?
My late father, Christopher Upperman, always used to say, “Show your love”. There’s no way I could ever forget hearing him say those words. It’s is a simple yet profound phrase that emphasizes the importance of actively demonstrating love rather than assuming it will be understood or felt without any expression. It challenges me to be mindful of my actions and words, seeking opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of others through love and kindness. I’m all about positivity, and I believe that plays a part into my connection with people around me and my career growth. I think that the world could be such a better place if we all showed love to each other on a human level.

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 am a photographer with a focus on fashion, beauty, and product. I believe there is beauty in every single thing on this earth, and sometimes I find the challenge of unlocking the extraordinary within the ordinary the best part of capturing subjects through my lens. I love connecting with each and every person that ends up in front of my camera. One aspect I am particularly proud of is my ability to establish an organic connection with my subjects. Building a rapport and creating a comfortable environment during a photoshoot is crucial for me to capture genuine and authentic moments. I take the time to understand my clients, their story and personalities which enables me to bring out their true essence in my photographs. I am most excited about creating unique and authentic stories and narratives that celebrate identity and individuality.

While I am certainly not finished climbing their ladder to where I want to be professionally, I am enjoying the journey. It hasn’t been easy; I’ll tell you that. I’ve encountered numerous obstacles such as rejection, self-doubt, and the constant need to elevate and push my creative boundaries. However, I truly and firmly believe that challenges are opportunities for growth. To overcome these challenges, I’ve immersed myself in continuous learning. I always work to hone my technical skills, explore new artistic techniques, and study the works of inspiring photographers across different genres. I’ve also sought out mentors who have guided and inspired me, while also maintaining a strong sense of self-belief and determination.

One of the most important lessons that I’ve learned along the ways to speak up for yourself and never compromise on your core values and beliefs. As an artist, I think it is crucial to have a clear understanding of your values and what you stand for. These values serve as a compass of sorts, guiding your artistic choices, interactions with clients, and the messages you convey through your work. They reflect who you are as a person and shape the narrative that you present to the world. Another lesson is to always take advantage of giving yourself extra time when you can. Not only does it help alleviate stress and provide a sense of calmness and preparedness, but it also creates a bit of a buffer that allows for unexpected delays or unforeseen challenges.

I want people to know my brand for standing for authenticity, creativity, and integrity along with stunning imagery. I believe that every person has a story worth telling, and I am privileged to be the one to visually narrate those stories through my art. I strive to create timeless portraits that will be cherished for all time.

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 think that my wife and I live in a great, centrally located area. We’re right next to The Grove & The Farmer’s Market. We’ve also got super-walkable areas in 3rd street, Fairfax, and Melrose. That’s already enough to keep someone busy for the week with the astonishing number of shops, restaurants, and beautiful weather. But, in no particular order, the other must-go places on the itinerary for the week include brunch at Spoon & Pork in Silver Lake, Westfield Century City, Griffith Observatory, grabbing the best tacos from Tacos El Chido, hitting up Grand Central Market, The Broad Museum, The Getty Villa, Abbot Kinney, The Korean Bell of Friendship, Brian’s Shaved Ice, and Bluff Cove in Palos Verdes. There are so many great options for someone visiting, you can’t get to it all in one go!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give the biggest shout out and my deepest gratitude to my wife, Jasmine, for her unwavering support and the sacrifices she has made in order for me to pursue my creative career. Her love, encouragement, and understanding have been incredibly instrumental in my journey, and I am forever grateful for her presence in my life. She has stood by my side through the highs and lows, always believing in my abilities and pushing me to reach my full potential. She has provided a safe haven for me, offering a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on during moments of doubt and uncertainty. Her unwavering belief in me has given me the confidence to take risks, follow my passion, and pursue my creative endeavors.

Additionally, I want to acknowledge Phylicia J. L. Munn for being not only a dope photographer I look up to but also a mentor in my career. She has graciously and generously shared her knowledge and experience in the industry, providing invaluable guidance and insights that have shaped my journey. Her wisdom and encouragement have helped me navigate through challenges, broaden my horizons, and grow both personally and professionally.

I would also like to recognize my big brother, who has played a significant role as a mentor in my life. His wealth of knowledge and insights about life in general have been a source of inspiration and guidance for me. Although I may want to traverse my own path at times, my brother’s support, combined with his practical advice, has helped me make informed decisions, overcome obstacles, and stay true to my creative vision.

Website: https://www.uppermanphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upperman.photography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-upperman-257536b2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uppermanphotography/

Image Credits
All photographs taken by Troy Upperman.