Interview with IrieAz Photography's Tommy T in Phoenix

Photographers usually get started shooting the same thing. That thing is whatever happens to be around them at the moment. This can create roll upon roll of film (or file upon file these days) of photos that capture a specific slice of life. The photographer's slice of life. An experience only that person will ever have. The good photographers are those who can make their experience interesting enough for other people to see something in the photos as well.

Tommy T of IrieAz Photography captures those moments in his life in photos with vibrant colors, or deep shades of black and white. City life, cars, skating, riding, friends and music are clear inspirations to Tommy T's photography. Firmly gripped in the DIY ethic, Tommy T and IrieAz has fast become a notable presence in the Phoenix, AZ music, car and skateboarding scene.

"I got started in photography just playing around, shooting different things," says Tommy T. "I got a few comments on pictures from family, so from there on I just rolled with it."

Tommy T started with a "cheap" 35mm, a gift from his sister. From there his gear has stayed simple and effective.

"Right now I shoot with a Canon EOS-30D," he says. "I have very little equipment compared to others. I only own two different lenses, so I really have to do my best with what I have. For a concert shoot all I have on hand is a clean camera and memory cards."

IrieAz is built on a sense of community where artists, fans and everyone in-between get together to build success for everyone. Tommy T is quick to mention the people who gave him a chance.

"Arizona bands Underwater, RAC Dub, Herb N Life and California bands Dirty Heads, Mike Pinto and Stranger are all bands I have shot," he says. "I have helped out with photography for The Pier, a music review for the reggae, surf and rock music scene. Last Laff is a lowrider magazine out of Miami; Build-a-Bike is a local bike shop in Glendale, AZ that has used my pictures for its web page and flyers. 2ndLife Art is a friend of mine that has done some logo design for IrieAz."

"Most local bands I shoot for, I am friends with," he says. "Other bands I have shot, I just take the chance and hope they like what I do. It took months of emails to Silverback Music, but I got the chance to shoot a Slightly Stoopid and Fishbone show. I am a big Stoopid fan."

IrieAz will be branching out in 2008 with a clothing line and an increased work pace for Tommy. The first run of IrieAz t-shirts will be ready for the ladies and gents by Christmas '07. Followed by a push for name recognition through music, riders, car people, skaters and all the other artists and activities Tommy T enjoyed growing up.

"I want to keep shooting live shows but try to start doing actual sit down photo shoots, do my best to get some work published," he says. "Things are looking pretty good for the future and I can only hope they stay that way."

More information on IrieAz at http://www.myspace.com/irieazphoto.