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

Hi Carter, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It’s odd actually, I never really thought about actively pursuing a creative career, aside from wanting to be an architect when I was maybe 10 years old. Then, in my second job out of college working in Marketing for a small consulting & accounting firm I began to realize that the more abstract, creative parts of my job were the only ones I enjoyed. And it wasn’t for 3 more years that I began to notice I had a little knack for it.

The scales tipped further when I bought my first camera 2019. I’d always enjoyed shooting on my phone and some upcoming travel encouraged me to take the plunge. I scooped up a Fujifilm X-T4 and a 35mm lens. It didn’t take but a few weeks to fall in love. I started carrying the camera everywhere and capturing every day life. And as any photographer can attest, I NEEDED more gear. Specifically prime lenses. But those cost money. Money I couldn’t justify spending on what was merely a hobby at the time. So I made a rule. Any money I made with my camera I could spend on more camera gear. A self-sufficient hobby.

I started seeking out gigs for friends and family and spammed a few applications out for entry level photography positions. One thing led to another and I found myself shooting real estate pretty often. I was making enough money to take the leap; I quit my day job and started shooting full time.

A year later, I am still shooting and with the creative juices flowing, I’ve started drawing and painting as well.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As one might suspect from looking at my work, I have no formal training in the Arts. But I do what I can to use that to my advantage. My work is about the love of the process.

When working on a photoshoot, painting, or what have you, I simply do it however I want. I try not to worry about the “quality” or techincal proficienct as much as just following impulses. It can be wreckless at times and it’s certainly led to plenty of mistakes. But it’s fun. And that’s all that matters. For me, sitting in the comfort of my home and sketching something out while listening to music is the purest form of creation. So I want to get as good as I can within that process.

The simplistic approach serves another purpose: Accessibility. I’m not sure if y’all have noticed, but art is EXPENSIVE. Esepcially original pieces. The feeling of holding a canvas, a piece of art, that the artist poured their experiences into is beautful. But not a lot of people get to surround themselves with that in their home. I’d like to think of my art as simple, authentic, and affordable.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First rule of showing someone around the city. If we ain’t walking, we ain’t going. Atlanta is a farcry from the most walkable city, but the Beltline and its glorious connectivity is a start.

I’d start with Inman Park via the Stone Mountain Trail. Boozie slushies at Victory, coffee at Harbor. Oysters at Beetlecat. In no particuclar order.
Then I feel like we have to hit some breweries. Scofflaw, Brewdog, Monday Night Garage. Stillfire up in Suwanee has to be the only exception to the Walking Rule.

I’d be remisced if I didn’t force my friends into an Art Picnic at Piedmont. Really you just can’t beat the Beltline experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family of course. My parents, sister, and brother-in-law have always been realistically supportive of my creative endeavors. By that I mean they’ve never doted over my work or falsely piped me up 😂. But they gave helpful feedback, helped me network, and pushed me to stay vigilant with my work.

Website: cshightowerphoto.com

Instagram: cshightowerphotoandart

Image Credits
The black and white image of me was shot by Ashton Stallings.

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