I finally had the chance to interview one of Sarasota's most extraordinary photographers, Greg Burns. He is a genuinely bohemian soul with a beautiful personality.
About a year ago, I was seeking a mentor to enhance my photography skills. When I found Greg and visited his Sarasota studio, I expected nothing, but what I saw was miraculous. His studio felt like a museum or a film set filled with eclectic furniture, decorations, clothing, poster photos, and other items defying easy descriptions. It reminded me of the magical closet from "The Chronicles of Narnia," where time stands still, and you're filled with childlike wonder and excitement. Every visit to Greg's studio feels like an adventure.
Greg conducts many creative sessions there, transforming the studio into something different each time. He also hosts numerous workshops and masterclasses and rents out the studio for photoshoots.
I love Greg’s style of telling his story and want the narration to sound from his perspective in this interview:
"I have always profoundly appreciated fine arts, from music to poetry to paintings. As a child, I dabbled in painting. Eventually, I became an athlete and played tennis competitively, even making it to my college team. I later became a Tennis Teaching Pro for about 27 years. Like many people in long-term jobs, I started seeking new challenges.
My interest in photography began when I took pictures of my pretty girlfriend. Digital photography was still emerging, and I quickly embraced it, especially with the creative possibilities in Photoshop. As I posted my work online, I gained acclaim, and people started asking me about my techniques. This led to workshops and seminars and traveling worldwide to teach photography on location.
From my tennis career, I knew that becoming world-class at anything requires 100% dedication. You can’t do anything half-heartedly and expect to become world-class. My athletic background taught me to work hard and pursue what I enjoy, trusting that opportunities would follow. I asked a friend if I should quit tennis at 46 to pursue photography full-time. He said, 'If I were going to bet on anybody, I'd bet on you. Give it a year and see how it goes.' So, I quit tennis and studied photography, learning a lot on the fly.
I taught myself photography by inviting respected photographers to my workshops and learning from them. This accelerated my learning process.
In this industry, who you work with matters. Early on, I was fortunate to photograph people who went on to do great things on TV, in beauty contests, in magazines, and UFC fighting. I knew this was my true calling.
Initially based in St. Louis, Missouri, I moved to Sarasota after ten years to care for my elderly mother, who passed away in 2020. The hospital restrictions at the time prevented me from seeing her, which was very tough.
Perseverance is ingrained in me. I pour everything into my work to convey emotions and connect with people. My portfolio showcases my versatility with different styles, techniques, and lighting. I never degrade my subjects; I celebrate their beauty, showing the world how beautiful things are if you take the time to appreciate them.
My studio, now in its 14th year, is filled with props, furniture, and clothes. Clients can use anything here, dressing up and escaping the world’s stress. The studio provides a safe, inspiring space that often offers a therapeutic and confidence-boosting experience.
In today's competitive photography world, standing out requires taking significant creative risks. With billions of images uploaded to Instagram daily, you must be fantastic to get noticed. Most people bend to negativity, but strong individuals stay true to themselves. I encourage people to be themselves and surround themselves with positive, inspiring people.
My career has also expanded into the film industry, where I work as a production designer, creating filming environments. This role showcases my creative vision and organizational skills.
My work aims to inspire, challenge, and connect with people, significantly impacting photography and the visual arts."
E-mail: gwburnsphotography@gmail.com
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