Photography is not just about capturing what you see, but about expressing what you feel and how you connect with the world around you.
OJ Perry
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OJ Perry’s story is all about bold experimentation. From developing film in darkrooms to always pondering the possibilities of digital photography, OJ has set out on a unique creative path that reflects his love for moody landscapes, vibrant street scenes, and storytelling through his pictures.
Throughout his career, OJ has embraced the evolution of photography while remaining deeply connected to his artistic roots. His work is defined by a dreamlike quality that holds the eye firmly, regardless of if he’s capturing the tranquility of a misty forest or the dynamic energy of bustling city streets. Beyond his visual creations, OJ is also exploring the potential of NFTs and social media, using these tools to share his vision with a larger audience and forging meaningful connections in a rapidly changing digital world.
Here are three major highlights from our conversation:
- OJ’s transition from film to digital photography shaped his unique artistic style, blending the nostalgia of analog with the innovation of modern techniques.
- His approach to moody landscapes and vibrant street photography reveals a talent for creating emotional, immersive imagery.
- His experiences with NFTs and social media highlight how photographers can expand their reach and connect with audiences in a transformative way.
My chat with OJ was another one of those eye-opening ones, as he shared candid insights into the art and business of photography. His dedication to experimentation and storytelling left me inspired to explore new creative horizons (probably why I now own a drone). Don’t miss this episode—dive in and enjoy!
Q: If you could step into any one of your photographs or any of your compositions and kind of live in that moment forever, which one would you choose and why?
OJ Perry: There’s a picture when the lake was frozen completely and there was snow in the trees and the sun slowly came up above the mountain peaks. That moment when you capture that with your camera and the sun hits your face, that’s 100,000 percent my feel-good moment.
Q: What draws you to these subjects and do a lot of the photos that you take reflect your own personal perspective on the world?
OJ Perry: I’m a very optimistic person, joyful and fun to be with. But there’s this other side of me that craves solitude, peace, and quiet in a lonely landscape. Both reflect my personality, but I add an extra layer to the world in my photographs.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who’s maybe in your shoes that has a passion for photography, but maybe they’re too busy to focus on it?
OJ Perry: The first thing you have to do is actually go do it. Don’t get distracted by gear. Just follow your dreams. Start using your iPhone or whatever you have to capture images. Try to find something in your everyday surroundings that you can capture, something that really kicks your creative cells in the brain.
Key Links & Mentions from the Episode
Connect with OJ Perry:
Website
Instagram
People Mentioned:
1. David Bowman: A professional photographer based in Vienna, Austria.
2. Matt Payne: Landscape photographer from Colorado: Website
3. Tim Mattimore: Photographer specializing in drone and nature photography in Minnesota: Website
4. Simon Baxter: Known for serene landscape photography on YouTube: YouTube Channel
5. Thomas Heaton: Renowned landscape photographer and YouTuber: YouTube Channel
6. Andreas Bear: Collaborated with OJ for kayaking photography in Austria.
7. Mads Peter Iversen: Landscape photographer frequently mentioned in relation to calendars: YouTube Channel
Places and Locations:
1. Lake Gosau, Austria: Featured prominently in OJ’s landscape photography.
2. Dachstein Glacier, Austria: Source of Lake Gosau’s water, mentioned for its serene beauty.
3. Vienna, Austria: OJ’s base for street and portrait photography.
4. Japan (Travel Goal): Especially Tokyo and Shinjuku Station, for its vibrant street photography opportunities.
5. Geseuse National Park, Austria: Frequent setting for OJ’s landscape photography.
6. Iceland: Mentioned as a dream destination for photographers.
7. Faroe Islands: A bucket-list location for landscape photography.
Tools & Gear:
1. Nikon Z7 II: Nikon Website
2. DJI Mini 3 Pro: DJI Website
3. Adobe Lightroom: Adobe Lightroom
4. Affinity Photo: Affinity Website
5. DaVinci Resolve: Blackmagic Design
Projects & Opportunities:
1. Firefighters Charity Calendar: A recent portrait photography project by OJ.
2. Urban Collection (Website): A showcase of OJ’s street photography.
3. Photo Walks in Vienna: Planned workshops by OJ for 2025.
Key Themes Discussed:
1. Transition from Film to Digital: OJ’s journey from film cameras like Yashica to modern DSLRs.
2. Drone Photography: Challenges, regulations, and creative possibilities.
3. Authenticity in Content Creation: Emphasis on connecting with an audience through real, unpolished experiences.
4. NFT Photography: Opportunities and challenges in selling digital art on the blockchain.
5. Landscape Photography Process: Finding serenity and emotion in nature.
