Spencer Wells
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a documentary photographer working across mediums to tell intimate and honest stories.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I picked up a camera in my early teenage years and haven't looked back. I studied Human Geography and that gave me a perspective on the world that's served as a philosophical backbone for my creative work. I moved to New York and got first hand experience on set working for a number of different photographers and learned lighting and technical bits by doing them every day. The last couple of years I've expanded my practice to include motion and writing as tools to tell a more nuanced story about my subjects.
How do you stand out in your field?
I introduce ethereal elements into my compositions while still retaining a documentary field. I'm able to articulate concepts clearing visually and in writing. I'm always interested in the marketing side of things as well, taking time to understanding the strategy if not helping to craft it.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I'm currently producing and shooting a few films for Field Mag on outdoor recreation and the environment. I'm documenting Bosco Sodi in his Brooklyn studio in anticipation of his upcoming show for Wallpaper. Always in various stages of pre and post production for commercial clients.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Natural, ethereal, wabi-sabi.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Hard to choose, but I'm learning more about marketing now and develop those skills at the moment.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I get frustrated by jobs that disappear for no apparent reason that I'm excited about and by lack of response to treatments and emails I pour my heart into. I know it's part of the process and happens to everyone, but putting myself out there, finding new clients and projects doesn't come naturally to me.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Manage my social channels. I think they could probably do a better job and then I would never have to look at instagram again.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Psychedelic Therapist.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Editorial and commercial still and motion shoots, long form documentary projects, copywriting, marketing strategy, and content creation.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal commission involves a project where I'm granted co-ownership of the concept and can take a budget, make a plan and shoot it on a timeline that allows for spontaneity. My favorite jobs have been on location in natural settings, combining my love for outdoor recreation with image creation.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
A well-organized email of where you're at currently, where you want to go and how you think I can help. This would include stuff like deliverables and budget, ideally.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Repetitive physical activity in nature.
This member profile was originally published in October 2020.