WadidoLA: Photographer: Will Manning

WadidoLA is always a supporter of promising new artists, which is why we love Will Manning and his photography. Check out the interview we had with him!

Name: Will ManningAge: 22Location: Baltimore, MD (for the next 6 months)

WLA: How and when did you first get into photography?

WM: I have always had an interest in photography, but I didn't take it seriously until about a year and a half ago. My only prior hands-on experience with the art form was a black and white film photography class when I was really young. That definitely helped me to develop an interest in photography, but only recently have I started seriously pursuing it as a career.

WLA: What type of photography do you usually do?

WM: I am most interested in conceptual and editorial photography. Most people would probably call me a fashion, portrait, or lifestyle photographer, but I'm just interested in photographs that say something and make the viewer think!

WLA: What would you describe your artistic and photographic style as?

WM: I try to make photographs that seem simple at first glance but have an underlying complexity. I've always liked the cliche, "A photograph is worth a thousand words," to an extent. However, a great photograph can be worth an infinite amount of words. Those are the kinds of photographs I hope to make in my career.

WLA: Have you worked with any celebrities or for any magazines our readers may know of?

WM: I have worked with author, film maker, and professor, M.K. Asante (http://www.mkasante.com/). He is an extremely kind, talented, and genuine person, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him. I have also worked with several small-scale publications, but I'm still hoping for a break to work with some kind of larger publication.

WLA: Are you currently working on any new projects?

WM: I constantly have new things in the works! I never stop thinking, so as long as I have ideas, I'll be trying to release them through photography. Right now, I am focusing on shooting fashion editorials in hopes of collaborating with various print and online publications.

WLA: What do you consider your favorite project so far?

WM: That's a tough question! I'm my own worst critic, so I'm never fully satisfied with any of my work. A series that was a lot of fun to shoot was the recent one I shot with Holly in the locker room. I'm normally a fairly slow paced shooter and person, and that environment forced me to step out of my comfort zone a little bit. It was refreshing.

WLA: What are some of your hobbies? How do you like to spend your free time?

WM: I love all art, so I spend most of my free time reading things and looking at various sources of inspiration. I guess I don't really give myself much free time... Music is a huge inspiration for me, as well, and I enjoy playing guitar, piano, and harmonica. I spend most of my down time with my friends and my incredible family! Thanks to them for all the support!