We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Tornatore and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Justin, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I have always had a problem with giving up before fully realizing my goals. This stems from my early childhood, right up to my adult life. I quit high school because getting a G.E.D. seemed faster, and it was. I joined the Air Force as opposed to going to college; because I have always struggled academically and I thought getting a forward looking career would provide more immediate results than attending school. I struggled to finish my six year enlistment, but somewhere along the way I made to eight years, with an honorable discharge. After the military I did, once again attempt to attend college. I began studying for a four year degree in Video Game Design, one of my life-long passions. I quickly came to the realization that if I had obtained my degree, I most likely wouldn’t use it. After two years of college, I dropped out. I began writing a novel, which I eventually scrapped due to my incessant self-criticism. Around this time, our first child was born; I chose to be a stay at home dad. Three more children later, I have learned to ignore my self-doubts and constant criticisms. Giving up is not an option when it comes to my children. Having slowly achieved personal growth over the years of failures, I have finally grasped the tenacity and willpower to stick with an idea until I see it through. I have since began writing a new novel, which I am much more proud of and should see through in the coming months. Starting up a photography business to ultimately turn a passion of mine into a potential career has also revved up my motivation and productivity. The more I descend into my blossoming photography career, the more excited and dedicated I become. I am utterly amazed at the personal growth I have experienced since once again picking up a camera. I have been diagnosed with PTSD and suffer from generalized anxiety, which affects nearly every aspect of my life. Since my separation from the military, I seldom left my home or kept in touch with friends and colleagues. Photography has given me purpose again, and the drive that I needed to get back out into the world, to capture it how I see it and to find joy in bringing my vision to other people. Finding photography again, which I hadn’t pursued since high school, has thrust me from my comfort zone and pushed me beyond the poor mental state that kept me anti-social and distant from the ones I love. I have never been happier than I am now, since picking the camera back up again. If that is not an absolute sign to not give up, I don’t know what is.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the things I am most proud of is obviously my photography, but also the process to my finished product. When I look at photos that I have found inspiration in, many of them have never been touched up, aside from what can be accomplished in the black room. Touching up photos can be fun because of the surrealism that can be achieved, and while I do have extensive experience with photoshop; I try to keep my non-artistic works as real as they appeared when I took the photo.
Getting where I am today took a lot of time and practice. I went nearly twelve years without picking up a camera. The last photo I shot was on traditional 35mm film, straight to today’s bleeding edge mirrorless technology. It seems now, the process is so easy to capture the perfect image; the camera does 98% of the work, that what sets apart an ordinary shot from a great one is down to the person looking through the lens. A flick of the dial will set your camera to auto, and it will perfectly capture what is presented to it, because of this I think a lot of people are in the photography business that frankly shouldn’t be. An artistic eye for composition, subject matter and lighting doesn’t come as easily as paying for a great piece of equipment.
The hardest part for me producing artwork is my constant self-doubt. I always feel I could have gotten a better angle, or if I just had another lens with me, things would be different. My confidence has always been a problem for me, especially presenting work to the public for ridicule. Since I’ve been pursuing this more artistic path in my life, I have been more receptive to feedback and open with sharing my works. I still throw away about 99% of what I make, but sometimes I’ll show you what I have to offer.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite places to go are usually nature oriented, I love camping, backpacking and hiking. The Arizona heat usually determines when I can go out and enjoy the wilderness. My go to places for a nice day trip would be the Sonoran Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, the copious amounts of national parks throughout Arizona is great. Mt. Lemmon is always a fun drive, and a great place to beat the heat for a few hours.
Since moving to Tucson in 2009, I have taken up a love of Mexican food. A couple local favorites are La Parilla Suiza and El Coronado. The lack of great Italian food is most disappointing, I am open to suggestions. Little Anthony’s Diner has some of the best pizza I have had since leaving New York.
My wife and I play Pokemon Go, Reid Park and the zoo within are great locations to take the kids and have some fun as well.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to the most influential person in my life, my grandmother Donna Stabb. The man who originally introduced me to photography, my late grandfather Gerald Suppa. My supportive and amazing wife Jayme, and our four children; Cory, Arwen, Gerald, and Natalia.
Website: www.JustinTornatore.com
Instagram: justin_tornatore_photo
Twitter: @JustinXDPhoto