What do you get when you combine a mathematical and creative mind? In Jarren Vink’s case, you get a successful commercial/still life photographer and director.
A 2003 graduate of Davidson High School, Jarren shined in academics, including AP courses, was active in band, and it’s where he first discovered his love for photography.
“I excelled at math and physics so thought I’d be an architect. On a whim, someone suggested Ohio University’s photography program so I applied and got accepted,” he said. He earned his degree in commercial photography in 2007.
During his junior and senior year at OU, he got the opportunity to do an internship in New York. He said, “Once I got into that world, I realized there was so much more to it than I thought.” That experience is what helped him narrow his focus to luxury brand still life work such as cosmetics, jewelry, beverages and timepieces. Describing himself as a little obsessive compulsive, he said this segment of photography is the perfect fit as it’s all about control.
Jarren said Hilliard Schools provided him a well-rounded education, setting him up for success in college and beyond.
“I had a lot of great teachers across the board, but Thad Ricker, my photography teacher, is the reason I’m where I am today,” said Jarren. “A lot of teachers teach you what you need to know, but he took it a step further and was always very encouraging.” Jarren continues to be well rounded, taking photographs by day and producing maple syrup by night. He and his family moved out of the Big Apple to the Hudson Valley a few years ago and when they discovered several maple trees on their farm, they decided to give it a try. Today, they have a small-scale operation, retaining their product as gifts.
He was recently featured on PetaPixel. Read more here.
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