1 Q-Gazelle: Hyte where do you come from and what made you come to New York ?
A-Hyte: I came from Ohio, Born in WV into a small low income family. A dream of being able to make it better than I had it for the ones I love and not hate my job, common.
2 Q-Gazelle: How do you describe your work with photography?
A- Hyte: I feel like I come up with fresh ideas and just try them. I am just glad people are willing to do some of them.
3 Q-Gazelle: When did you realize this is what you wanted to do?
A- Hyte: 13 yr, I got a camera for Christmas and I found it gave me like a reason to do stuff. It made me feel wonderful when I managed to do a good fun picture of a person and I just never put it down. It was always a unique gift I could give another.
4 Q-Gazelle: Who are the professionals in the field that inspire you?
A- Hyte: Erwin Olaf, Jill Greenburg, David LaChapelle, Guy Bourdin, Steven Meisel, Herbert Ritz, Mark Selenger, Anne Leibowitz... Many more...
5 Q-Gazelle: What are the turns off of the market in a city like New York?
A-Hyte: Everything is so dark and moody. I am a fan of the flash, color and bright lights. Want to see more outgoing in images maybe. I do wish more people communicated and shared ideas but some reason it doesn't happen a lot. A image of one mind is a point of view and a image of many is a miracle in my thoughts
6 Q-Gazelle: Any really great experiences so far?
A-Hyte: Sure, I have done a few fun jobs, few bigger ones, met a lot of interesting people. Nothing really stands out I just do...
7 Q-Gazelle: How do you feel about people comparing your work to the photographer
David LaChapelle?
A-Hyte: Well I think it’s a beautiful compliment. What, he was named one of the most important people in photography. I really don’t think much about it. I am just a individual just trying to make things ok. I’m a kid having fun, doing photos and living in Brooklyn. By no means very important but you know what... I’m ok with that.
8 Q-Gazelle: What would be your dream assignment?
A-Hyte: Sleep
9 Q-Gazelle: What are you working on right now?
A-Hyte: I am just running around shooting people and their stuff trying to get better and build a name for myself. Working on my image/brand, sending out portfolio book and promo to small vendors. I really haven’t really tried to work with anyone large yet. I have got a few things but I have to say it was more luck than anything.
10 Q-Gazelle: Future plans?
A-Hyte: Ha! Not that far yet. Still wondering what I am doing Friday night.
11 Q-Gazelle: If you could choose any other profession what would it be?
A-Hyte: Plastic Surgery... Scary right, haha. I just love making people feel beautiful. If I can’t shoot people I will cut them.
12 Q-Gazelle: In your opinion what makes a great photographer?
A-Hyte: Someone that isn’t afraid to take others criticisms, open to all suggestion, even when the market is bear for you, you still just got to do your thing. Just a genially nice, kind and a person who wants to do it more than anything. Even if you are working at a club or retail, if you come home everyday and give something to your craft it will treat you with respect.
http://www.myspace.com/wifreeme
www.photohyte.com