Meet Roger Fountain | Photographer & Writer

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

Hi Roger, what are you inspired by?
Manifestation is powerful, and as Black people we have a tremendous ability to manifest our destiny. We were enslaved and we gained our freedom through non-violence. Our ancestors moved mountains with intelligence, vision, perseverance, and faith. And even before freedom, we were the architects, builders, educators and innovators in this country. Our narrative is one of pride and I draw much inspiration from that knowledge. Back in the day, when I first got into the entertainment industry there weren’t many people of color in positions of power. So that meant there were very few mentors. Everyone talked about the need, but it remained just that – talk. So, in the beginning it felt like I was spinning my wheels and going nowhere. I knew what I wanted to do, but I couldn’t figure out a way to get there. Some days were extremely tough. But my folks stood behind me and wouldn’t let me waver. The fact is, nothing about this life happens in a straight line. I’ve always been strong-willed, but everybody needs a shoulder to cry on or someone to kick them in the butt. If I want to do it, I’ll get it done. It may take days, months or years, but when I commit I never give up. That’s my superpower. The people in my universe are also inspirational. We can generate our own ideas, but we need to cull relationships to get them done. Nothing we do is done in a vacuum, and I’m always trying to be better, and see things from a different perspective. Relationships help with that. And anytime I need to be rejuvenated, I take a walk, ride my bike, swim or go for a nature bath. Nature grounds me, and it’s also an inspirational catalyst. It helps me recalibrate, and it’s also a great valve for shutting off the noise and distractions of life.

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.
I’m never satisfied. Every day is a learning day. Every day is a day to try something new. Every day seeds another day to grow. But you’ve got to be open, work hard, be present, and have a goal or a destination. You never know when something inspiring will hit. It can happen in the middle of the night, walking out of your front door, or picking up the kids. I’m constantly thinking about things, that’s probably why I’m such a bad sleeper. Some stuff is way out there and other stuff is just drilling down in the minutia of a project. When I was a creative executive I used to tell people to give me everything other people won’t let you do. It was a great way for them to push their boundaries, and feel comfortable doing it. If they went too far I’d pull them back. But creatively, they were able to find another gear. I love photography because if I can capture a moment the way I see it in my mind’s eye – that is truly art. My mind is constantly spinning, and obviously, I’ve had my setbacks. But that’s just part of the learning process. Because you can’t move forward if you’re always looking back. I’ve been fired from jobs and I’ve worked jobs that I never thought that I’d need to take. But you’ve got to go through it to get to the other side. But, I’ve also had my triumphs. When I lived in Paris I won a Silver Dolphin award at the Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards for a docu-series called Nature Forecast. They were one minute docs on climate change and how it affects the species in our world. I’ve worked in television as a production guy and executive. I built the in-house music department at Telepictures/Warner Bros., and I’ve published a book of photography, “Angel Eyes: Ethiopia Through the Lens of a Black American Man.” I look at a different photographer every day because I’m open to new experiences and influences. I’m proud of my ability to change and inhale life’s challenges and treasures. It’s exciting to be alive and there’s always something I’d like to do. I’m currently finishing my first novel, organizing my work for another show, and working on some television ideas. My one piece of advice for people is don’t put yourself in a box, and keep pushing the limits. There’s nothing more devastating than seeing a creative person do the same things over and over again.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d definitely take them for a bike ride. I live in Kirkwood and great bike trails are all around us. We can ride to downtown Decatur, Stone Mountain and Piedmont Park via the Beltline or the Path. Also hiking through Sweetwater Creek State Park is fantastic. We’ve got a couple of solid restaurants over my way. Paolino’s Italian Restaurant is a gem. It’s good and consistent Italian food and they give good pours on wine. Elmyriachi is solid Tex-Mex with good ‘gitas. La Fonda has good Cuban, El Tesoro has no frills Mexican tacos and guac and all the seating is outside, And Steinbeck’s has good beer and pub grub. And Little Rey’s taco’s on Piedmont are big time yummy. It sounds like I eat out a lot but I don’t. We don’t eat meat, just fish and mostly veggies, so I’d definitely take them to DeKalb Farmers Market because I’ve never seen anything like it in the states. Oh and the High Museum is a must as well as the National Center for Civil and Human Rights museum downtown.

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?
Along with my wife, Rebekah Sager and my parents, “Benson” TV star and Broadway giant, Robert Guillaume, was a dynamic force in my early development as a writer and person. I worked as his development executive for his production company. Robert was a perfectionist and he took me under his wing. He didn’t believe in “taking days off” and he certainly didn’t let me slide on anything. He focused me, he educated me, and held me to a higher standard. He also taught me that nothing that we do is sacred. It’s all ephemeral and we need to take chances, tear it up and make it better. It’s the only way to find our true selves. He’d always say that 2% of the talent drove 98% of Hollywood. So strive to be part of the 2% and be your own person. I loved that man. He beat the shit out of me everyday, and I’ll be forever grateful for his life lessons. He taught me how to be a professional – in whatever I did. On the other hand, my wife is the smartest person I know. She’s not just book smart. Her empathy and vision is unbelievable, so when I write something or show her my photographs, I’m always amazed at how she sees a situation differently than I do. I’m lucky to have her as a partner because her criticisms make me think. And every creative person needs a no bullshit sounding board. I guess what I’m saying is she understands me and she knows how to get the best work out of me. If you can find that, it’s a blessing.

Website: rogerfountain.com

Instagram: Lifeshotbyshot

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roger.fountain

Image Credits
Lars Fountain