Get to know Pierre Cannon (Northern District - Bristow, VA)
How did you get started in photography, and what drew you to it initially?
My photography journey started as a hobby when my girlfriend (now wife) got me a camera because I enjoyed nature and waterfalls. I would spend time in the spring and fall chasing waterfalls and enjoying the tranquil moments.
What type of photography do you specialize in, and how has your style evolved over time?
I specialize in action Sports Photography. As a sports fan and long time retired athlete I realized I didn't have any photos from any of the sports i played growing up or from college football (Offensive lineman are rarely photographed). A friend who was a Varsity Basketball Coach invited me to cover his team so I could practice. As I learned the craft, another photographer gave me tips and connected me with one of the companies that has contracts with multiple schools in the DMV. Over time I honed my skills by learning the art (positioning, anticipation, emotion) and science (freezing the action, mastering ambient light, noise management) of sports photography. This led to becoming accepted into the MaxPreps network of sports photographers and the ability to provide high quality images to local families.
What inspires your work creatively?
For sports it's hunting for an image that captures peak action and emotion. I have to be in the right place and the right time when the athlete is doing their job. It’s different for every sport, position, season, etc. There is no guarantee that everything will align perfectly. It requires me to anticipate being in the right place, tight framing, perfect focus, and often luck. There is no rewind or replays so the stars have to align.
Can you share a session or project you’re especially proud of and why?
Because I cover a range of photography I have a few that I am really happy with for different reasons:
-
Anytime I capture an image of an athlete that I am excited about (Peak action and emotion) that the Parent and athlete is super happy about I feel accomplished
-
One of my first weddings I captured a fantastic sunset with beautiful clouds that were only outshined by the newlyweds
-
Anytime I get PJ in front of my camera and he loves the photo. My 12 year old is a tough critic and likes being in front of the camera less than me.
How did you first get involved with VPPA, and what’s been the most valuable part of your membership?
Benson introduced me to VPPA. I have learned so much since joining VPPA. While I specialize in action sports, I do enjoy learning about seniors and portraiture. Learning lighting and the business of photography has been great.
What advice would you give to photographers who are new to VPPA or just starting their professional journey?
Take advantage of every learning opportunity that excites you. It's just as important to know what type or style of photography that you DONT like as it is to see what you enjoy. Fun and creativity is more important than photographing something that drains your energy just because there is a payday. Photographers are a community, the more you engage with the community, the more you can support the community and in time you will grow with the community.
When you’re not photographing, what do you enjoy doing?
Spending time with family, watching football (oddly enough most sports I don't watch), chasing waterfalls, and getting my family out in nature as much as they allow (getting away from wifi and electronics).