Everyone has probably seen this picture on my myspace/sneakerplay but wondering whos the artist behind the lens?
Ladies and gentlemen.. Andrew Q!
1. First of all, what got you really into photography as a child
My moms and pops. They were always taking pictures, I was like my moms piece when I was little, and my dad took photography in high school. And continued to do it as a hobby. I’m putting together an art show with all his work. There is photography, great photography that is never been seen, and well, my dads work needs to be seen. To me he is the definition of dope, And don’t get me going on my mom and her painting and drawings. Hahaha, as you can see I grew up with some very artsy parents.
2. Who are some of your inspirations as a young photographer?
I have to go with my moms and pops. Grew up with photography and art in general because of them. Also Ansel Adams, my pops always had his books around, so I grew up with that name. Terry Richardson, Boogie, Nabil, Estevan Oriol, David La Chapelle, very amazing photographers.
3. What is the best part about working as a photographer? worst?
What is the best part? Hahaha, ah man. The best part is that I get to work with a lot of amazing people, I meet new people all the time. The fact that I don’t know who I will be meeting next. I think a lot of people really don’t know how much work really goes on. But I enjoy it, it keeps me bust, and I’m doing what I love. I don’t think I really have a “worst” part.
4. What was your first camera? And as of right now, whets your favorite cam to shoot with?
My first camera was a 35mm canon EOS 700 that my pops gave to me. I still use it to this day. It’s been around 16 or more years. My favorite camera is my holga. That camera is great for everything. It only cost me 50 bucks, a great investment!
5. Noticed the De La Highs in one of your pics, I’m assuming you into the shoe game as well, and if so, what got you started?
Hahaha, everyone notices the de la’s.. Well honestly my moms and pops kept me in a fresh pair of Nikes or J’s constantly. So I think that’s what started me.
6. What type of artist are you listing to the most these days?
Whoa, Carter, Pacific Division, Dom Kennedy, Blu, doesn’t get better then that. And I must admit I got The Dream playing in my iPod. To be honest I have everything in my iPod, country, rap, r&b, hip hop, rock, electro it really just keeps going, I try to keep up with everything.
7. When you do your shoots, what are some things that you cant get started without or feel like you have to prep yourself?
Music, I have to play some music or at least play it before a shoot. A good conversation with the person I’m shooting is good too. Hahaha, I’m not going to hide this, I hate when people hide it. Some ganja is not bad before a shoot either. Hahaha, anyone reading this, I am a supporter of the green. Shit, Obama’s new D.E.A. agent passed that its up to each state. They can’t come and shut down any medical marijuana shops here in California! Go Green.
8. If you could shoot anything in the world, what would it be? And why?
That’s a good question, anything in the world. Hmmmmm, you know what, I can shoot this anytime but I really want to do a dope portrait of my moms and pops. I think that would just be the shit. Imagine that. Hahaha, I could picture it already.
Also, I would like to shoot Megan Fox, just putting it out there.
9. What would you say to any other young aspiring photographers who are beginning to pick up the cam?
Don’t limit yourself, always think big. And one thing I strongly believe in, and always say, NETWORK!!! It’s the business.
10. Shootouts? Final thoughts?
Moms and Pops, Thanks for the cameras, much love! Everyone that gave me a chance to get some amazing shots. Pac. Div. Carter, Dom, Blu, thank you! The whole broke folk family, The Kone, Thank you man!! Appreciate everything you let me get a part of.. Fat Albert, Top Shelf, Nga Dave. Babe blvd. Family, thank you! Clinton, I thank you! Hahaha. Un=People and the whole Bow & Sparrow family. The Weekend Warrior girls, Hahaha, you two are great. And anyone who has inspired me, enjoyed my work, gave me those nice and sometime straight up with me talks, Thank you! I appreciate all the messages, comments, you really make this a very humbling experience for me, and thank you to all my friends who have been there from the beginning, you know who you are. Eat The Rich! Be on the look out. Keep out for the clothing line!! Posters, stickers, books, all coming soon. Chick habit coming soon!! Ah shit so much coming out.
http://www.myspace.com/aqphoto, And one last thing, Stop trying to see what I’m doing, You Know who you are. shit.
BANG!BANG!PHOTOGRAPHY!
Andrew.
