We are so excited to announce the newest addition to our artist roster - Tom Kubik!
Tom specializes in hospitality, tourism, lifestyle, healthcare, motion, and more. His work shows beautiful emotion, playfullness, and connection. Keep reading to get to know a bit more about our newest artist!
MEET TOM
What first drew you to photography — was there a “moment” or early experience that changed everything?
When I was 11 I took my first trip to Disneyworld. My mom had been saving for years to make it happen. During that trip, I became fixated on getting as many autographs in my book as possible, but also to make sure I captured every one of them on my Mickey Mouse x Kodak 110 film camera. I’m sure that book is still in my mom’s closet somewhere. Then, about 10 years later I found myself wanting to document the people and places I was encountering during my military deployments as an aircraft mechanic. That was really the moment when I realized that this was as much a talent as an interest. Soon after separating from the USAF, I began my BFA at Academy of Art and the rest is history!
Who are your biggest photographic or artistic influences (past and present)?
Strangely (or not) I would say that most of my inspiration has come from writing and painting rather than photography. I’ve always been captivated by a deep character. The first ones to awaken this part of me were the Eastern European existentialist writers. Being that deep in someone’s mind for so long really made me curious about each person’s individual story. Then came my education of the Italian Baroque painters. These folks were savage when it came to relatability and meticulous use of light to tell a story. That’s why photographers Richard Avedon (my son is named Avedon), Lauren Crew, Andy Anderson, and Nicholas Maggio have all touched me deeply and shaped how I create. They all find or create excellent characters and are masters at drawing out their stories.
How did you develop your signature style (or how would you describe it)?
As in the case of my inspiration, I wouldn’t describe my development as a photographer entirely in terms of photography. A very wise facilitator of retreats once told me “You can only take someone as deep in themselves as you have gone in yourself.”. Well I’ve gone very deep, and that comfort in the discomfort gives people serious confidence to let me in. It’s like we’re making a secret handshake with every photo. That being said, I assisted over 100 different photographers for 5 years before I made the leap to shooting. Watching their processes taught me what I liked and didn’t like. It gave me tons of inspiration to try new things. What I do now, it’s vibrant, life-expressing, immersive, connected full spectrum "humans being” where I use often mid range focal lengths and shallow depth of field to bring the viewer close. I tend to mix natural light and artificial light to create a natural but polished look.
Walk me through your creative process when you approach a new project. How do you go from concept to final image?
Because my work is so much about chemistry and spontaneity that’s created when I step on set, I don’t spend as much time in the concept phase. I’m more of a “f- around and find out” kinda guy. I like to work from mood boards, study them and sort of Matrix style download them into my subconscious. From there I let the magic flow on set, keeping in mind the key elements of composition and style while letting the magic of connection take the wheel and drive. That creates unexpected moments that leave a lasting impression. When it comes to retouching, I’m a bit of a naturalist. I like to create some color separation when possible and a little dodge and burn. Definitely not someone that plans out a 35 shot composite and locks down on sticks.
How much planning vs spontaneity is involved in your shoots?
I think this is well explained above, but I’ll add. Spontaneity is everything in my shoots. I could never plan what I capture because I don’t know what I will say or how they will react. It’s an improvisational dance, not a choreography.
How do you balance maintaining a unique style vs evolving and trying new techniques or trends?
I’m not the trend guy. I have never in my life (for better and for worse) gone with what’s cool. I do, however, REALLY enjoy seeing how photography is evolving and seeing what the newbies are trying and what’s succeeding. Having taste is a more important long-term tool than being on trend. Sometimes I pull an element of trend into my work because I’m like, “Yeah, this helps tell stories the way people are listening right now.” Recently I shot a whole campaign on a disposable camera lens and the client was thrilled! It was the prefect tool to bring to life their vision while keeping the integrity of my style.
Among all the projects you've done, which ones are you most proud of — and why?
My prison work is probably the most meaning fun photography I’ve ever made. I shot hundreds of portraits of CA inmates and covered events for a prison reform program over the course of 5 years. Some of their family members had not seen a photo of their son/spouse/father in decades. I received many thank you letters expressing the tears of joy seeing their incarcerated family member in a thriving state. Aside from that, I learned some of my most profound lessons and healed some deep shame with people that some would consider monsters and unfit for society. Talk about a mind bender.
Are there genres or subjects you haven’t worked with yet but would like to explore?
These days I spend a lot of time in the ocean. I’d really like to capture more of that. There’s a swim club that goes out every day at 6am, even when it’s dark, and swims a mile. That means in the winter they climb out of the 55 degree water in time to watch the sunrise. Professionally, I’d love to work with more real patients. My experience as a death doula and retreat facilitator makes me uniquely positioned to feel comfortable around stories that need to hold gravity to be felt.
When you look at your portfolio 5 or 10 years from now, what do you want to see?
I want to see a bunch of people that had the best day of their life on set with me.
If you weren’t a photographer, what might you be doing instead?
One day I plan to open up a spiritual place where people can come to seek a connection with the great mystery, learn about themselves, and maybe even take good care of people who are transitioning out of their lives. Yikes, too deep?
We are so excited for what Tom is bringing to our team and we can't wait to share more of his work. Looking to know more? Be sure to follow him on Instagram @TomJohnKubik and checkout his website tomkubikphoto.com
