Thomas Strand shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Thomas, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m curious about everything so I tend to wander a lot. Although I do have a primary path I am on I find my self constantly exploring the small trails that lead me into the thickets. I think this is important for growth though. I know there are people that can really hone in on a singular direction but that is definitely not me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been a commercial photographer for over 35 years and I have learned to adapt as technology and the market changes. It is a constant battle to stay relevant and meet current trends.
One thing that has really given me satisfaction over the past several years is my volunteer work with animal rescues. I donate a majority of my time to The Bond Between and it is particular satisfying to see the positive results of my work. Currently, I am in the midst of a special project for them creating new profile photos for some of their long term cats and dogs in foster homes.
I have also started taking on private pet portrait commissions with a focus on black and white. This really fuels my creative side and allows me to create art that inspires me.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I am really being forced to digest some of these questions 🙂
When I was very young I was very curious and loved to explore. By the time I hit junior high the environment around me really had an impact on my personality. I had to become tough and closed off. I do not think I really knew who I was anymore. Not between 6th and 12th grade.
It wasn’t until I moved to California to attend Brook’s Institute that I was able to reinvent myself. It still took me a long time to shake off my old self but exposure to such a wide variety of personalities and the acceptance into some many different friend groups really allowed me to become who I wanted to be. I was once again free to explore the world and look at it with a more open and accepting attitude.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
This one is easy. Too many times. Photography is a tough profession. It’s tough to stay competitive and it is tough on your ego. One minute you’re doing great, work is humming along, and you think “I’ve finally made it”. The next it all comes crashing down.
I’ve survived a few major disruptions that have made me want to throw in the towel. In the years leading up to 9/11 I was shooting a lot of corporate annual reports. I loved this work and there was a lot of fun travel involved. When the planes hit the Twin Towers we were just at the start of annual report season. Every one of my clients pulled the plug. I lost 98% of my business overnight. The glory days of annual reports never returned and it took me a couple of years to tap into a new market.
I started doing a lot of magazine work. At one point BusinessWeek had so many photo editors I might get several calls a day for assignments. As many know the world of print media has really suffered over the years and I only pulled a few good years out of the magazine assignments.
I did recover though and by 2006 I had my best year ever shooting more advertising campaigns and image libraries. But we started the rapid decline with the housing crash and by 2009 there was hardly any work coming in. I really wanted to throw in the towel this time. But I hung in there. I trimmed expenses and held out until the eventual recovery which did come.
When Covid hit I did not shoot an assignment for an entire year. This was tough but it was different. Everyone was in the same boat and it’s not like other jobs were out there to switch too. I hunkered down again and just worked on a bathroom remodel. One thing about marketing is that companies cannot survive without it. Work eventually picks up again and it did.
I have listed the really low points in my career but it is important to think of the highlights. When the economy is not in free fall and work is coming in this is a really fun job. I have traveled to amazing places, seen really cool behind the scenes business environments and met some really awesome people.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Animal rescue. This will never end and there are so many animals in need. I am truly just amazed at all the people who dedicate their lives to this.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
As a photographer shooting commercially I think we are often out of our depth. I know I am. This is how we grow and become better. Granted you can’t be too out of your depth and you can only fudge that with clients so far. But we are always pushing ourselves to grow. If I am too far into my comfort zone I am bored so being out of my depth is a norm.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thomasstrandstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomas_strand_studio/
Image Credits
Thomas Strand
