We had the good fortune of connecting with Ori Gal and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ori, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose to be a photographer because photography is a way for me to share the way I see the world with other people. Years of constantly looking for light and compositions have trained my eye to see the world through a unique perspective, and through my camera, I’m able to show people how beautiful the world can be, even in her most mundane places. Also, other photographers’ photos (especially landscapes) have inspired my sense of wanderlust and have helped me get through dark times in my life because I can say to myself, “One day I’ll be there. I will get through this and I will be there.” If even one person looks at one of my photos and gets that sense of hope that can pull them through a difficult time, I will have reached my goal.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a high school student, It has been difficult to find time and often the motivation to constantly work on my photography. I was only able to get to the point I am at now through persistence and taking advantage of every opportunity that I can find. Even though landscapes are my true passion, I have been exploring every field I can in order to hone my skills to the highest level possible. For example, I recently worked with Motorcars Of Atlanta; taking photos of some of the most exotic cars in the world, and now I’m working on a new series of photos displaying the struggles of mental health using film and mixed media that has brought a new sense of excitement to my work. Through everything, I have learned that when things become dull and you begin to lose motivation, you have to change something to shake up your workflow and break out of repetition. Whether that’s switching to film or challenging yourself to try a type of photography that you struggle with, it doesn’t matter as long as you can start something new and exciting. Another project I’m very much looking forward to is using my great grandfather’s old Rolleiflex camera to photograph his home.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first place I would take someone is Rosewell Mill. This is my favorite spot and is always a place for me to relax and connect with nature. I’d also have to take them on Skyview Atlanta, Ponce City Market, and little five points. Obviously, I’d take them to eat at Waffle House and Varsity. I’d also take them to my favorite restaurant, Ru San’s, a sushi place in Buckhead. To finish off I’d take them to Fairway Social, this really cool mini-golf place.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The reason why I am so passionate about photography is my old teacher and mentor Missy Stein. She taught me so much of what photography is and can be, and if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be pursuing it to the level I am today. I spent 3 years learning under her and she helped me realize that it is so much more than pressing a button; it is a whole new way of seeing the world. My biggest source of inspiration is Alex Stead, a London-based landscape photographer. It is his work that continues to drive me to constantly improve and to go out and shoot whenever I can. Furthermore, it is through him that I found my own passion for landscapes.
Instagram: @ori.gal_photography
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ori-gal-49b14b226/