The 505 - Justin Simenson
1. Where did you grow up and how did you come to live in New Mexico?
I grew up north of the village of Placitas, NM. My parents moved to New Mexico a few months before I was born. My mom is originally from Connecticut and my dad was from Minnesota. My father moved back to his hometown and I lived with him during my senior year in high school. After I graduated I moved back via Greyhound bus (which was an adventure) and haven’t ever thought of leaving New Mexico since.
2. What lessons has photography taught you?
For the first 5 years photography taught me patience. Now my daughter is taking that role. Lately photography is teaching me to combine all the aspects of my life. I am a father, husband, writer, designer, and depending who you ask there might be some more colorful words thrown in. As my photography has progressed I have learned how to incorporate all those things into my photographs.
3. What person has most influenced you, or your photography? Can you tell me about him or her?
That is easy. My parents. My mom has influenced my creative side for a long time. When I was in high school she changed careers and became a tattoo artist . Seeing her drive and passion for her work helped instill in me a lot of great things. My father was a woodworker and construction foreman until an injury made him switch to computers and technical writing. That too influenced a lot of who I am today.
4. Do you have any passions or talents outside of your work?
Exploring New Mexico by driving the forgotten highways, back roads, and rutted dirt roads with my family is how I like to spend my free time. I also have been doing leather work for a couple years. Making something that will get better with age with my hands has been really rewarding.
5. If you could photograph anyone or anything living now or at any point in history, who would it be and why? What camera would you want to use?
It would be awesome if I could go back and be a road photographer on Led Zeppelin’s first US tour. For camera choice I am not particular. Maybe I would bring a Leica with me. The footage and photos I have seen from this tour are awesome and I would pay some big bucks to be a part of that history.
Website: http://iminphotos.com/
Blog: http://iminphotos.com/field-notes
Twitter: @iminphotos
Instagram: @iminphotos