Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Marotta.
Tony, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I gained an interest in photography as a child, I had 2 Uncles that both had interests in Photos and Video and always had the latest and greatest cameras and tools for the time. I pursued that into college, in the 1990s, where I majored in Graphic Design with a minor in Fine Arts Photography working my way towards a BFA. As with life, things changed and so did my major and Photography took a backseat for a while until I gained an interest in digital DSLR cameras in the mid 2000s. The idea of the creativity without the added stress and expenses of film, and chemicals really appealed to me. My interest and passion was reignited and I got back into it and haven’t looked back. I had also met several friends along the way that also helped fuel the creativity. and we have all become a really tight-knit group of friends and photographers.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I’d say it has been relatively smooth, and I say this because this is not my full-time career. Photography is my creative outlet and source of some additional pocket money on occasion. For the past 30 years. I have made a successful career as a professional Chef; something that is also visually creative as well as organized and based on efficiency. The beauty of photography, for me, is that I don’t have to allow myself to be pressured or bogged down. I can do this as little or as much as I like. I continually learn and develop my style, I participate in workshops, I take classes and I take every opportunity to photograph things of interest to me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I enjoy using photography as a creative outlet. It gives me a chance to break away from the stresses of everyday work life and simply use it as an art form. I like to showcase things that usually pass everyone by, sometimes the simplest of objects can be showcased in a unique or unusual way. As my wife tells me, I see things through a different “lens” when I am out taking photos, always looking for unique lighting, angles, and compositions. In its literal form, photography means “painting with light”, sometimes it’s fun to try and “bend” that light a bit and see what results you can get. As far as what I enjoy, I love to travel. I like to find the unexpected in common places, sometimes in the most popular of destinations, my attitude is “let’s look at it from this angle and see what it looks like.” Everyone has that “postcard” photo, but this is how I saw it. I am known for black and white, long exposures, and big dramatic skies in my landscapes. My friend will also tell you that I have an affinity for taking photos of unique doors and I have a collection of those from all over. As far as what I am most proud of, I have a “coffeeshop collection” of photos, one of which has won me “photographer of the year” from the NOIR Club of Black and White Photography.
What were you like growing up?
Just an average nerdy kid, I suppose. I did really well in school, though I never really enjoyed it. I got easily frustrated because it moved too slow for me. Like most kids my age, I played sports and enjoyed after-school activities. In elementary school, I played the trumpet and the guitar. I loved art and always was drawing or sketching something in my spare time.
Contact Info:
- Website: tonymarottaphotography.com
- Instagram: tonymarotta12
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonymarotta1212/
Image Credits
Adam Brady
Kailey Schipp
