Conversations with Clarence Devon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarence Devon.

Hi Clarence, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since I was a kid, I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures. When I was little, one of my grandparents got me a regular point-and-shoot film camera that I would use to take pictures of random objects around the house. Fast forward to middle school, my friend, brother, and I would always be taking pictures or shooting silly videos. It’s all we could do to pass the time when living about 30 minutes away from a city at that age. Once I graduated high school, I was focused on college so I pretty much put the whole thing on the back burner, but would still find time to take some cool shots here and there.

I’d say around my second job out of college is when I got back into it more, I purchased a GoPro and a cheap DSLR and just started going at it. Most pictures would be of things around cities I was visiting, I would just make sure to capture whatever it was from a unique perspective. More recently, I’ve been leaning more towards film instead of digital due to the “connection” you get when looking at the images, not to mention the anticipation of how the shot will come out since you have to develop them.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I’d say my main challenge is not being able to dedicate as much time as I’d like to it.

There are days when I want to spend all day shooting but I can’t since it’s not what pays the bills at the end of the day. Also, with it being a hobby, trying to maintain the fun aspect is tough when trying to cross off requirements for contests or when you are taking pictures at the request of others. Tough to balance, but I’m always up for a challenge.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My “9-5” job has me working with computers and applications, specifically breaking them and reporting back the findings to the client. Very interesting work, but a little draining when it requires hours on end behind a computer screen. When I take off that hat, I pick up my camera and do one of two things. I either hop on my bike and shoot pictures around the city, or I grab my dog and head west toward the mountains. My favorite type of things to shoot are architecture and outdoors. It’s amazing what humans can create but it’s just as amazing as what nature has created.

So when I take pictures of these things, I try to capture them as naturally as possible which is what I’m really proud of. I try to avoid using any type of filters when processing the images and if there was a mistake when developing the film, I feel that impurity makes it that much more personal. I feel like a lot of people aim for perfection these days, and I try to do the opposite with my pictures. Some of the pictures I’m known for are of my dog and a couple of shots I’ve taken while out camping.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I just finished reading a book called The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and that’s currently a book I’ve been recommending to friends and family.

As far as resources, I’d say Instagram is my go-to when looking into how other photographers are shooting new material. I also talk with friends that do this full-time for places to bounce ideas off of.

Contact Info:

• Website:cameramandev.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameraman_dev/