Photographer Greg Noire (@gregnoire) is used to shooting the emotion found at live music shows and festivals. “Human emotion, that’s how I see the world. Being able to capture that authentically, that’s everything to me.” Recently the Alpha Collective member and first generation Nigerian delved into new territory when he took his first trip to the continent of Africa to photograph the Samburu tribe as well as the area’s wildlife and landscape. Still at the core of what he captures is human emotion, and to do that he does what the best photographers do–Noire thoughtfully uses lenses that give him control over the nuances of perspective, depth of field, form and texture.
“Human emotion, that’s how I see the world. Being able to capture that authentically, that’s everything to me.” - Photographer Greg Noire
“I wanted to feel that culture shock,” explains Noire. I’ve never experienced anything like this. It actually feels like another world. Growing up with immigrant parents, you’re kind of led to believe that there’s no real career path in the creative field. Being a first generation Nigerian, I wasn’t really built to do any of the things that my parents wanted me to do. You know I picked up my first camera, and everything just really made sense. That’s when I became who I was supposed to be.”
While on his trip, Noire uses his lens choice to translate the world around him. “You treat them as your eyes,” he says while reaching for the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master. “When I want to catch this sweeping vista as well as my subject, I have the versatility to zoom in and zoom out.”
In addition to landscapes and portraits, Noire also photographs a family of lions using his Sony 400mm f/2.8 G Master. “You’re getting a more intimate perspective,” he says. And with the G Master name, you’re getting the best level of performance and image quality so Noire knew he wouldn’t miss one of the once-in-a-lifetime moments.
“I’m being my most authentic self when I have a camera in my hand, capturing these amazing moments with people just being themselves. It’s like therapy for me,” says Noire. “Being a creative, there are times when I feel that I’m an imposter in this space. Feeling like my work isn’t great enough. And the only cure for this is going out and creating.”
He continues, “Sometimes getting out of your own comfort zone can switch your perspective. Just freeze that moment and make it into something more. My time in Africa has really reinvigorated my spirit. Just capturing people this joyful makes me joyful as well. They’re super proud of the way that they live. Their heritage, their culture. That’s everything to them. Being true to who you are, there’s no reason to hide that. This is why I’m a photographer. It’s who I am.”
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