Last October as we were preparing for Toronto Art Saves we received an email from Joel Yum. He introduced and informed us about his website out of Toronto, The Image Interview. The Image Interview is focussed on exposing and promoting hardworking passionate creators through Image Interviews. Heres a little more directly from his site. “The world’s greatest creations and innovations come from the minds of people that love what they do. And people that love what they do are great at what they do. A piece of them is left in every part of their work and it is my goal to photograph them and their work to show the world how great it truly is in reflection with their unique personality and style.” I recently had the opportunity ask Joel a few questions about what he does.
G: How did you originally start the Image Interview? Was it something you planned or did it begin by accident?
J: As a portrait photographer I am obsessed with projects based on individual personality and character. I love how we are all so unique but I know it’s a struggle to grow through and past insecurities. I started The Image Interview as an art project to help people through that struggle by showing off their personality and character and that it was what really made them beautiful and attractive. It just naturally evolved into a focus on people in creative pursuits. Just as it is a struggle to come into your own, it’s a struggle to get your creativity out there in today’s world. Creativity is really an extension of personality and character so it was a natural fit.
G: Do you have a favorite interview you’ve done?
J: The next one I do will probably be my favourite, as will the one after that, and the one after that haha.
G: What’s your favorite part about what you do?
J: Definitely meeting and connecting with such diverse people. Toronto is filled with it.
G: If you could sit down and have a conversation with the person who inspires you most, who would that be?
J: I can never answer these questions, I can never choose just one haha. I’m starting to get into more traditional documentary photography. I’m actually taking a Documentary Photography class at Ryerson. On top of the concept and putting the images together into an essay you have to gain access and trust. I would love to pick the brain of any traditional documentary photographer.
G: Favorite photographer?
J: hmmm, if I had to choose just one it would be Henri Cartier-Bresson. It’s his candid, in the moment shots that I love.
G:Any interviews your really excited about coming up?
J: I’m actually going to change the format a bit in the upcoming features, but I’m excited for some food features I have coming up because I haven’t done anything in that genre yet.
G: Random Question, Mac or Pc?
J: both, but i would take a mac over a PC any day.
G: Plans for the future?
I have a few ideas in how I want to expand. Nothing I’m ready to start planning as of yet. I definitely want to put out a premium photobook though.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Joel Yum and what he does visit The Image Interview.
