Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Reale.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ll be honest and say that I don’t think there is anything unique about my story other than that I felt/recognized that I was given an opportunity to reevaluate my life and I took the chance. I have been taking pictures for a long as I can remember and having people tell me that I had talent but I never really gave it much thought. I just loved taking pictures wherever I went.
A little over 3 yrs ago I was “lucky” enough to get laid off from a job that I was really unhappy in. A few months prior I had sold a couple of photos and that gave me the confidence to think that maybe I did have some talent and if people were willing to pay for my work I should really check it out some more. So, when I got laid off I was so damn happy! Instead of getting depressed and viewing it as a failure, I saw it as an amazing opportunity to reinvent myself. So, I took the plunge.
It may not look like it to many people but; deciding to not only call ( or recognize yourself as) an artist- and putting yourself out there as one- is incredibly hard work… But it is also extremely fun and rewarding. The feeling I get when someone reacts to one of my shots and feels connected to it- it’s hard to explain. It’s pretty cool though. 😊
Please tell us about your art.
I never really know what to say when people ask me this…. there are just so many different reasons/answers… I take 95% of my shots on my iPhone 7plus. I love to walk around the city. I love to hike. I love to travel. And the fact that my phone is always with me and in my pocket. When I see an image that strikes me – and I ALWAYS see images that strike me. I can take me an hour to walk a hundred yards if I let it- it’s just so great to be able to just boom- get the shot.
I’m not sure if I have a favorite subject to shoot. I can be really corny and just say I like to shoot “ life” because it is always happening around it. I am kind of obsessed with clouds and reflections. And Trees. But, as I said earlier, there is so much to see and so many images that catch my attention. My message/inspiration to people would be to always be open to the beauty around you, whether it be an urban landscape or out in nature. I consider myself to be a pretty basic person but I see some hint of beauty in almost everything.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Always have other streams of income. That is the best and only advice I can give. Art and photography is my passion and I have been very fortunate to sell some of my work. But I do have another job that allows be the flexibility I need to continue to pursue my passion.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can view my work on Facebook and Instagram. I am working on a new website, but my current one is thomasrealephotos.photoshelter.com. I am always happy to have people over to my home studio in Dorchester if they wish to meet with me in person (contact me via any of the platforms previously listed).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thomasrealephotos.photoshelter.com
- Phone: 617-306-6350
- Email: realetm@gmail.com
- Instagram: Popeshilltom
- Facebook: Thomas Reale photography
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