Meet Justin Harris | Photographer

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

Hi Justin, why did you pursue a creative career?
My pursuit of a career in art boils down to my compulsive desire to create. Through my camera, I’m able to convey thoughts and feelings in ways that are both easily understood and inexplicable. It’s a language I speak better than English. My career in art exists because I exist to create art in a world that demands it be a career. More importantly, my documentary work on Auburn/Opelika has brought joy to many people’s lives and that is ultimately more important than my own reasons and compulsions for creating.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
It’s been very difficult. My success has been one of ebbs and flows. The art generally comes easy, but I was not immune to the economic strain plaguing most Americans these last few years. My biggest problem however has been confidence. I’m a very self conscious person and it’s a struggle to find self worth sometimes because of the weight I give the thoughts or perceived thoughts of others. I sometimes invent these unhelpful opinions and hyper focus on them and it has stifled my creative process. I think artists would do themselves a lot of good if they found the balance to push past those unreasonable expectations and criticism.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d show them the music and comedy scene. Auburn/Opelika and the surrounding cities have a lot of talent under the surface. I’d definitely take em to the Jailhouse in Opelika on Monday for the open mic and wednesday for the movie nights. There’s such a thriving community of artists and kooks there.

I’d keep my eye on diyauburn’s social media pages so we could go to whatever show is going on that week.

And we’d probably pop into Sidetrack or Well Red for some good local coffee

We’d probably go on photo walks through downtown Auburn/Opelika as well, knowing me. And probably through some parts unknown, if we found the time

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My good friend and comedian James Young. A very funny guy who I believe has the same passion for comedy as I have for what I do. We helped each other get back out there and create after the pandemic. Hes one of my favorite people and someone who is very different from me in terms of art and taste, but I owe a lot to the time we spent hanging out at open mics and our many conversations on our respective art forms. We were reborn together and he’s funny as frick.

Website: LateCityLight.com

Instagram: @LateCityLight

Facebook: LateCityLight

Youtube: LateCityLight