An Interview With Trey York
How did you get your start in photography?
I got my first film camera, an Olympus point and shoot, in the summer of 2009 I think? I got into photography through skateboarding actually. I always loved the work of Ed Templeton and Atiba Jefferson and wanted to document the people around me as it related to skateboarding. It was kind of a natural profession for me to just become a portrait photographer.
As a photographer who experiments with a variety of film, what would you say is your favorite and why?
Kodak Portra 400 is outright my favorite film. The blues and greens you can get without even doing anything special are out of this world. Other than that, I was recently gifted a Polaroid BV and I’ve been experimenting with 600 film, which is another favorite.
Are there any locations you’re partial to shooting and why?
I like shooting in nature. I use to find the studio to be my favorite spot to shoot but there’s some kind of primal connection to be found while shooting raw portraits of people in the most basic forms of nature.
What are some things you consider crucial to your progression as an artist? (Whether that be people, activities, experiences, things, etc.)
Honestly, I know this is a super bullshit high school art teacher response but I think moving away from digital photography and digital art in general is the best thing I could have done to help myself find my way as an artist. I think digital art has a a super important role to play, but there’s something more hands on and involved to be found in creating things with your hands, something that takes a little bit more time. Patience is something that’s lost in an age where I can point my digital camera at something and not even think about wasting my shots, I’m just shooting just to shoot. I think film makes you slow down and think about what you’re doing, and why you’re doing it. That’s something that was important to me.
What are some things you take inspiration from outside of your line of art?
I’m really big into fashion, skateboarding and punk music. I’d say punk zines have a strange way of influencing my work as a portrait photographer.
In your opinion, what is the most influential 80s movie of all time? (that isn’t Robocop because Robocop is too obvious of an answer)
I’m not too keen on commitment so I’m going to cheat and give two answers. It’s a toss up between Akira and Hellraiser. If you’re reading this and haven’t seen either of these movies, stop what you’re doing and go watch them.
If you could shoot any location in the universe, where would it be?
Aokigahara, also known as the Suicide Forest at the base of Mt. Fuji, without a doubt.
You can view more of Trey’s work on his website: treyyork.com
or on his instagram: @returntothemines
You can purchase prints of Trey’s photographs here: society6.com/yorkphotos
You can also purchase his new book here: www.blurb.com/b/7908307-finding-the-light
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