Hello,
Off Center Media started off as predominately a photography business, however it has grown to include web design and video production. I have lived in Illinois my entire life, and currently live in the west suburbs of Chicago. I attended a small private university and graduated with a degree in Psychology and Communications.
Photography has always brought me great joy. My family might say I was born with a camera in hand. I would always take pictures, sometimes of very random objects. During family vacations, I would go through rolls and rolls of film. Through out school I carried a camera nearly everywhere I went. In high school, I would photograph school events. Towards the end of high school, I decided I wanted to take my hobby to the next level. In college, I started doing headshots and portraits.
I love innovation and personal expression; photography allows me to do that. I enjoy focusing on fashion photography because I enjoy capturing trendy styles on unique people. I get much of my inspiration from Gap and Abercrombie, and I try to fuse them together in my work. Gap provides a timeless, classic look. Often times their advertising campaigns are borderline portraits because they feature famous people and are minimalist and not bold and overpowering. However, their focus is always on the clothes, the trends, the personal expression that comes through on one’s own style, and not about furthering the Gap label. Everyone remembers the khaki commercial, I want my work to have that kind of timelessness. On the other hand Abercrombie ads are sensual, and try to sell a lifestyle. They make you want to buy their clothes because you will become everything Abercrombie stands for if you do. They put lifestyle marketing on the map with their unique take on retail.
I want my photos to be timeless, unique, simple, yet expressive, and when needed an element of sensuality that together comprises an amazing image. A photograph captures a vision and a moment in time that can’t be reproduced and therefore should be treated as an artistic vision.
I love traveling to new places. I don't think there is a place I would turn down a trip to. I enjoy traveling the world, Italy being a favorite spot of mine. I grew up on a farm, however the city is where my heart is. Chicago and Denver are my favorite cities. I hope you enjoy your stay at my gallery and if you have any questions or comments feel free to use the contact page.
Phil