EP 45 • Parrish Lewis
About Parrish
Parrish Lewis began his professional career as a Computer Network Engineer. While learning the ins and outs of the IT world, he honed his photography skills at Columbia College in Chicago. Soon after, he began building his portfolio and reputation as a solid go-to photographer across multiple photographic platforms. Before settling on a specialty for Entertainment photography, he had the privilege to meet and photograph Barack and Michelle Obama for their family portrait just before Barack announced his candidacy for president. His lens has landed on other prominent figures including Kevin Hart, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Jason Bateman, Terrence Howard, LeBron James, Derrick Rose, Beyoncé Knowles, and Kanye West just to name a few.
Lewis’ dexterity with a camera has gained him other titles including director, cinematographer and unit stills photographer which has allowed him to work on movies such as; Candyman and popular TV shows like; Showtime’s Shameless and the Chi, Dick Wolf’s Chicago P.D., Fire, and Justice.
The intimacy of a Parrish Lewis portrait defines his clean-with-a-little-grit style. Whether it be a motion picture or a still portrait, the composition is key to telling a visually appealing story. Lewis typically sits with his subjects, studies their movements, engages in conversation, forging a relationship between him, that person and the camera. By the time he looks through the lens, he knows how to direct his subject to produce the best shot. His ability to bring comfort to whomever is in front of the camera allows his photos to feel real and timeless.
Show Notes:
Website: parrishlewis.com
Where are you based?: Chicago, IL
Camera Brand: Sony
Most Influential Photographer:
Gordan Parks, Jamal Shabazz, Kwaku Alston, Marcus Smith
Favorite Lens:
28mm has been my favorite go-to because it forces you to get up close and personal with your subject. It also forces you to put some thought into composition.
Which field of photography is the most diverse? Least diverse?
Commercial and Advertising photography is the least diverse but most profitable general of photography. I'd like to see more black photographers in this space.
What do you consider the biggest hurdle for Black photographers today?
Finding good representation that's willing to groom and build black photographers then shop them around for work.
What is the quote that you live by?
Always be the first and never be afraid to do the hard things.
Instagram: @parrish_lewis
Twitter: @pdigitl
