Originally a Brooklyn-based photographer, John Parvin actually began his career in LA while capturing and exploring society’s fascination—if not compulsive obsession—with celebrities and fame. After a year there, John moved back to NYC and established his career working with fellow creatives and influencers while simultaneously completing his degree at the Pratt Institute. As a budding artist, his work has been featured in V Magazine, Flaunt Magazine, Nylon, and Rose Inc. SHEESH! had the pleasure to talk with John Parvin about his career, projects, aspirations, and love for portraiture.
Q: How did you get your start in photography?
John Parvin: When I was younger I was really fascinated by tech and really interested in post-productions. So I taught myself Photoshop and eventually it spiraled and I was introduced to analog photography which ignited my passion for photography. This really gave me an outlet to be super creative, which was really cool, and then I ended up going to the Pratt Institute for photography which was helpful in refining my skills and my thought process.
Q: Why did you choose to pursue a career in photography?
John Parvin: I think being creative helps me get through a lot and allows me to express myself because I was never really good with words or anything. It was the only thing that made sense to me.
Q: How would you describe your photography style?
John Parvin: In both aesthetics and content I’m really inspired and interested in this idea of worship and fame. Religion finds its way into my work, both aesthetically and in context. I have this fascination with influencers, celebrities, and the way, as a society, we really put them on this pedestal and die at every word they say and are obsessive about them. I’ve also been interested in the uncanny, things that are slightly funny but you don’t know why or it’s a little off-putting.
Q: Whose work has influenced you the most?
John Parvin: I would say Roe Ethridge. In college I was brought to his show “American Spirit” and he was the first photographer that really—at least for me personally—I really understood and his work in straddling this line between commercial and fine art. I thought he was so cool for bringing in these commercial jobs that he was paid for and put them in a gallery setting and completely changed the meaning of the photography. This really helped me because I think starting out in photography I totally did not understand the art world and I was really focused on a commercial career. I never saw myself as a fine artist and I think seeing him take those skills he had learned from being a commercial photographer and implicate them into fine art changed the way that I thought about myself. That I don’t have to let go of this commercial world, that I love, and I can focus on it and approach it with a more fine art lens.
Q: Exactly what is it that you want to say with your photographs?
John Parvin: I think that I just always want to create something beautiful but slightly jarring and uncomfortable. People like to use pretty as an insult in photography sometimes, and I’ve never been able to stray away from that. I love beautiful and pretty things and so I think keeping that and making people think a little bit.
Q: How do you get them to actually do that?
John Parvin: I think subtlety is a big thing for me. I never want to hit it on the nose. I’m sure sometimes I have but I think keeping those things embedded in the photograph where it just doesn’t scream at you but you know it’s there, there is an aura of it, or it floats along with the work.
Q: How do you get the person, place, or subject that is in front of you onto your camera just the way you want it?
John Parvin: When I’m shooting portraits I don’t like to give a lot of direction because I think natural movement is going to work for me and I like elements of awkwardness. So, I think the more I tend to give direction it looks a little more produced. I like to start with a vague idea and I tend to not plan out shot for shot what I want and just see what happens.
Q: What is your favorite subject to photograph?
John Parvin: I have always been drawn to portraits and I think I always will be. A good portrait always gets me going and excited.
Q: What motivates you to continue taking pictures?
John Parvin: It’s incredibly fun for me. There is no better feeling when I drop off a ton of film and I get to go back to pick it up and scan it all. It’s just satisfying.
Q: What does photography mean to you?
John Parvin: I would say art, in general, is obviously important. It’s such a cultural touchstone and being able to contribute to that in any way is so cool. It’s so exciting to put something out there and receive feedback. For me, on a personal level, it’s a bit of therapy.
Q: What makes a great photo standout from the average?
John Parvin: There are a few things. On the technical side there’s lighting and composition, but I feel you know when you see it. Especially when seeing work in person it really touches you. At least for me, it’s a visceral reaction.
Q: What is the most difficult and most rewarding aspect about being a photographer?
John Parvin: It’s definitely a saturated market and it’s really hard to find work, especially because you need to have so much work under your belt before a certain person will hire you. Sometimes you are just grasping at straws and asking how am I supposed to get it under my belt if no one is going to take a chance on me. Also, saying motivated, especially if you’re freelancing, you are your own boss and it can be hard. On the other side the most rewarding aspect is receiving feedback. Any comment or message I get especially when they respond in the way you like them too, you go ‘oh my god’ and ‘I’m not crazy’. I think that’s the most satisfying thing. Getting critiqued and feedback I think are so important in order to grow as an artist.
Q: How has the pandemic altered the way you think about your work?
John Parvin: I will say I did not create for a while. I eventually went home to Alabama for a month and I spent the whole time there driving around in my dad’s pick up truck taking pictures. I think it made me feel I didn’t have to create for the purpose of having a project or needing to have a purpose. To create without limitations, no embarrassment, no anything, I was doing it for myself and it was really nice. I really loved those photos of Alabama and it was nice to revisit a place I thought I hated and find beauty in it.
Q: What is one change you would like to see occur within the field of photography?
John Parvin: It would be really nice if it became a little less cliquey and had more inclusivity. It tends to be all about who you know or who your friends know. It’s great sometimes, my friends and I love helping each other out, but it can feel impossible sometimes and it can get really frustrating.
Q: Any artists or creatives that have captured your attention during this time?
John Parvin: I want to give a big shout out to one of my best friends Orion Carloto who just released her second book Film for Her and it is beautiful. Another writer I love and always inspires me is Eve Babitz. She is so sick and her whole 60s rock and roll life was so glamorous and what I aspire to be.
Q: Are there any artists you would like to collaborate with and why?
John Parvin: I am currently obsessed with this photographer Jamie Lee Curtis Taete. He takes these really hilarious and sorta scary photos of Trump rallies and they are just crazy to see. I would love to pick his brain. He is so talented.
Q: Any future goals you aspire to accomplish?
John Parvin: I have a couple. One goal I’ve always had is that I want to shoot someone’s album cover. I think that would be the sickest thing ever and I want to work with more publications—I love editorial work. My dream publication would be Rolling Stone.
Q: Any advice for those starting out?
John Parvin: Keep shooting and don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone. There is always room to grow and accept feedback. It’s so helpful, even if you’re not agreeing with it, it is still something your work brought out and it’s not completely meaningless. Teach yourself stuff and the Internet is wonderful too—share your work!
Follow John Parvin on Instagram to see more of his work.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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