Gray Mitchell is one of the iofoto photographers. He brings a fresh vision to every shoot, whether its just a basic set-up, or a concept image. Read how Gray got started in photography, and what he does when he’s not shooting.
How did you get interested in photography?
io:
Gray: I started shooting when I was about 15 with my mom’s old 35mm camera. My high school had a darkroom that no one ever used so I talked my art teacher into letting me come in after hours to develop and process my images. With little photo education I had to learn my way around the darkroom on my own. I was always interested in the science behind the photographic process and experimented with alternative processes quite a bit. Back then I didn’t think I wanted a career in photography, I was actually going to go to school for marine biology. My high school art teacher changed my mind and I ended up going to school for photography after all.
Photo by Gray Mitchell. [license this image]
What do you like about shooting?
io:
Gray: I love having the freedom to shoot a variety of different subjects from pencils and paperclips in the studio to the beautiful beaches of Hawaii. In photography there is always more to learn which keeps it interesting and challenging. There’s nothing I would rather be doing.
When you’re not shooting, what do you like to do?
io:
Gray: My biggest passion next to photography is motorcycles. Ive always had a motorcycle since I was about 8 years old. I’m in the process of building a new bike now that I’ll hopefully be riding soon. I’m also into woodworking, building frames and small furniture. I love going camping.
What are the toughest shoots?
io:
Gray: The toughest shoots for me usually involve small kids. Sometimes they just go crazy! You have to be on your toes to get those few shots that really work.
Photo by Gray Mitchell, shot on the roof of the Charlotte studio. [license this image]
What’s the most crazy thing that has ever happened to you on a photo shoot?
io:
Gray: I was doing a medical shoot in the studio shooting groups of “doctors”. In the middle of the shoot we all heard a loud CRASH! A car had run into the side of our studio! Luckily, there was a real doctor in the group we were shooting who rushed out to assist the driver. Thankfully everyone involved was ok. It was really funny watching all those models in lab coats peering out the door at all the action.
