Meet Fernando Decillis | Commercial Photographer

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

Hi Fernando, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Most people think that I have a really cool creative cushy job, that I get to travel to awesome places and meet great interesting people all the time. It might seem that way, and some of that is sometimes true. Reality is most of the time is a grind to find new work/clients. This industry is very competitive, its saturated with photographers, Out of all the creative jobs, photography might seem like the easiest. Not everyone, can play music, draw, paint, dance, etc. But most people can push a button.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a photographer, my art is mostly always a collaboration. Either on a job, or on a personal assignment I am always collaborating on producing a final image. Yes, I am the one making the photograph, but its always a joint effort, either with creative directors, clients, or the subject I’m photographing at the time. Im mostly proud and grateful about the fact that I’m still photographing, going on over 20 years now.
No, It hasn’t been easy. It continues to be challenging. Days, weeks, months could go by with out photographing a job. But thats where the lesson comes in. I’ve learned not to stress when work is not coming in, and find time to produce personal projects. That keeps me creative, and happy for the most part.

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?
When friends come from out of town, and say they’ve never been to Atlanta before. I have a mental list of things they must see and do. To a native Atlien these things might seem cliche and boring. But not for someone whos experiencing it for the first time. I always have to remind myself of that. I love the Atlanta Aquarium, I mean whats not to love?
I love being outdoors when the weather is nice, Not in the Summer though!
Climbing stone mountain never gets old. I live on the west end, so bike ride around the beltline is a good time, afterwards stop by Lean Drafthouse for a few beers and tacos on their patio.
Another activity that most people find fun is climbing at the Overlook climbing gym.
Might check out Piedmont park, walk around. Also checkout whos playing at The Tabernacle that week. Thats my favorite place to watch shows.

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 wanna give a shoutout to all my fellow photographers, to all the aspiring photographers. Keep grinding! seeing new work is what keeps me inspired.

Website: www.fernandodecillis.com

Instagram: @Fernando_Decillis

Image Credits
@Fernando_Decillis