For many creatives, photography is more than clicking the shutter button of the camera. It is in fact more than what the eyes can see. Atleast this is what the founder and owner of ‘Craig Henry’s Photography’ was implying when he told the Guyana Standard in a recent interview that “Photography allows me to see the world through different creative perspectives.”
Some of you may have come across this young man’s creative work on the various social media platforms, or even booked him to do your photoshoots. But who is Craig Henry, and what motivated him to be immersed in the world of photography?
For those who may not know, 24-year-old Henry is a proud indigenous youth who currently resides in Industry on the East Coast Demerara (ECD). He is originally from Santa Rosa Village, Moruca in Region One but relocated to Georgetown for work and to complete his studies.
He is currently a Communications student at the University of Guyana (UG) and he is someone who likes traveling, volunteering, and learning new creative skills. He is also very passionate about photography.
Henry who is a full time photographer by profession told the Guyana Standard that he started his business back in April 2020 but really got into photography around mid-2019.
Asked what sparked his interest in photography, the young man recalled that it all started from the many experiences while working at the Shell Beach Protected Area a few years ago.
“Inspiration came from photographing landscapes/nature while on my first job at Shell Beach Protected Area during 2018/2019. I started out with just a smartphone camera then with encouragements from colleagues who saw my potential, I decided to invest in a GoPro then unto the bigger digital cameras,” he explained.
He added that developing an interest for photography at the time, to better improve his skills, he began spending a lot of time researching, practicing and learning new techniques with both shooting and post-processing which made him fell in love with portrait photography.
“I now consider myself a portraits/events photographer,” he informed this publication. The young photographer also shared that influencing him also was the work of photojournalist Steve McCurry. Henry related that McCurry’s work had been a major influence and inspiration for him, noting that his famous ‘Afghan Girl’ portrait had always been one of his most favourite photos ever.
Similarly, he said that Cris Bray, an Australian Geographic photographer has also been a major influence since coming across his YouTube channel back in 2019.
“I also have to mention Mr. Darrin Smith, a local photographer who has always been both an inspiration and mentor throughout my career,” he revealed. Henry said those persons helped shaped him into the photographer he is today.
Having honed his craft over the years, Henry expressed that the support he has received so far was nothing he ever anticipated in the beginning.
“Recommendations from past clients, friends and family members helped me gain recognition in the local creative industry,” he mentioned.
Henry also shared that while the support has been encouraging, there were at the same time, some negatives that impacted his work. According to him, some challenges he faced include balancing work and his personal life. “Since it’s very easy to get caught up shooting a lot of content, I also have to spend even more time post-processing. I’ve been reminding myself to take breaks and have fun sometimes,” he related.
Another challenge he explained that he dealt with is having his work being used and uncredited. In overcoming this, Henry noted that he has since started to brand his work by adding small watermarks. He said this has proven to be useful in protecting his craft from being used by others.
Despite facing those challenges and more, the young man said not for one bit does he let it cast a shadow over his love for the craft.
In fact, Henry’s photography skill has led him to some notable recognition in the public space where he covered some huge events in the past. He told the Guyana Standard that some of his notable moments included covering events for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs like the recent Miss Amerindian Heritage Pageant, being on the production team for the University of Guyana Convocation ceremony in 2023, and covering Cricket Carnival bands from 2022-2024.
Through these works he has been introducing videography services to his portfolio, he mentioned.
Noting that these achievements are only preparing him for the greater opportunities ahead, Henry highlighted that moving forward with his business his goal. He wants to become more established in the industry and offer services to cover larger events.
With that being said, Henry would like to encourage and advise anyone who wants to get into photography to stay consistent and never give up on their passion.
“Of course success won’t come overnight but staying consistent, being open to learning and never giving up on your passion goes a long way. Also, be prepared to invest your time and finances into developing your art,” he expressed.
