Meet Pia Fergus | Film Photographer/Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pia Fergus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I decided to pursue an artistic/creative career (photography/creative direction) because I love having a point of view that I can share with others.

As someone who grew up feeling misunderstood a lot of times, I realized I would only feel fulfilled in my career choice if I were able to express myself, my ideas and relate to people.

My main goal behind photography is to introduce my true self to the world, make LOTS of worldwide friends, and to become someone that people admire (household name).

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a film photographer, emphasis on FILM!

I have learned so much about myself by being a film photographer. There’s a whole process behind picking the right film stock, processing/developing, scanning, etc. Working with film helps me with my time management, it helps me practice patience, and it helps me with feeling comfortable with making final decisions! I have so much respect for the process of it all.

Before working with film, I owned a DSLR. Purchasing a film camera and learning how to use it at such a fast pace makes me feel so invincible; I don’t think i’d ever go back to digital photography. I literally learn everything from YouTube, I am very dedicated to my craft and I waste 0 time (I’m most proud of that). I have now been working with film for only 2 years now (Mamiya rz67 gang!)

Professionally, I am definitely still growing, still finding my “style”. The biggest challenge I’ve had to face so far was learning how to shoot 100% manual. I’ve learned a lot of lessons about planning and being calculated for each shot (there are only 10 shots per 120 film roll, so you have to be extremely cautious! Every shot counts).

I want everyone to know that I am technically a “newbie” but I do not underestimate my skills/talent AT ALL. I want the world to recognize my confidence in my work. I know exactly what I am capable of, I know exactly what I can do. My drive and discipline sets me apart from others.

I want everyone to pay attention to me, because I legitimately believe that I will be an important name in the art community soon.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Okay, so I currently live in Bushwick, Brooklyn. We’re getting on the J train and going to SoHo for brunch at my favorite casual restaurant, “Ruby’s”. I don’t really like to drink alcohol, but I do enjoy Boba tea! We’ll stop by Canal Street Market afterwards for Boba tea by one of my favorite spots “Lazy Sundaes”.

We’d stay in the city, hop in an Uber, and visit the MoMa (The Museum of Modern Art) for some inspiration. After that, we’d just take a random MTA bus/train and ride around. I don’t really like to plan my days of fun too much. I like to add a lil spontaneity in whenever I can.

If my best friend was visiting for a week, we’d probably do that itinerary and switch it up daily; like different restaurants/museums. On Friday night, we’d probably go to a party/club to dance/vibe out. I love high energy activities and being around lots of people, I’m a true extrovert!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my 5 year old son, Kota!

Being a mom has pushed me in ways that I never thought it would, and I have grown so much! My son is so cool, and I literally get to view life differently through his eyes (which is great for my art).

I always ask my son for his opinions on art, his surroundings, etc. He’s very into music, and it’s so fun seeing what sounds he gravitates towards. He like’s my work, and doesn’t hesitate to tell me when he doesn’t like a photo either. He’s my little art critic, and I am so grateful for him.

I believe children are bullsh*t detectors, and most children are very blunt and honest. When I show him my work, I try to explain my idea in ways that he could understand, which helps me as an artist 100%. I learned simplicity through him. My idea/message can be as complex as it wants, but if I can’t convey it in a way that every age group could kind of understand, should I then consider a different approach? It’s because of him that I started to think and compose my ideas differently.

He inspires me more than he’ll ever know, and I love him so much. I hope that he feels the same way about me as he gets older.

Instagram: instagram.com/pia.fergus

Twitter: twitter.com/pia.fergus

Other: pia.fergus91@gmail.com