COVID-19 has made a huge impact on many people all across the world, and its put many people out of jobs and at some high risks etc. So here at The Vinyl we wanted to celebrate the insanely talented creators in the photography business. We are celebrating the Concert Photographers, the Lifestyle Photographers, the Wedding Photographers, the Wildlife Photographers and every other type of Photographer behind that camera that brings such joy to the eye.
Introducing Renita Clarke! 
The Vinyl: Please introduce yourself and tell us your primary photo location(s)?
Renita Clarke: I’m Renita Clarke – MD, DC, VA, Philly, Los Angeles & San Diego
TV: How did you know that being a photographer is something you truly wanted to do, and what/who are some inspirations you may have had/have?
I’ve been passionate about photography since 1993, when I tinkered with an old Kodak box camera that I came upon. After a period of shooting, exploring and self-learning, I turned what was once a hobby, into career. One of my favorite photographers and one of the coolest cats on this planet is Mike Quain (Los Angeles). I was introduced to him by mutual friends. I feel in love with his images he took of a ton of dancers/choreographers we know. He even shot me back in the day. He just has an outstanding work ethic and once I decided I wanted to do this professional, he definitely inspired and inspires me still.
I’ve been passionate about photography since 1993, when I tinkered with an old Kodak box camera that I came upon. After a period of shooting, exploring and self-learning, I turned what was once a hobby, into career. One of my favorite photographers and one of the coolest cats on this planet is Mike Quain (Los Angeles). I was introduced to him by mutual friends. I feel in love with his images he took of a ton of dancers/choreographers we know. He even shot me back in the day. He just has an outstanding work ethic and once I decided I wanted to do this professional, he definitely inspired and inspires me still.
TV: What equipment is a must-have for you no matter where you are going to be working? What does your typical photographing setup look like?
RC: I currently live in two worlds; Nikon & Leica. You’ll catch me with the Nikon D500, Nikon Z6 and Leica D-LUX 7. Lens vary. Thanks to my crew over at HEX, I house it all in their custom HEX x Rory Kramer Cinema Backpack.
RC: I currently live in two worlds; Nikon & Leica. You’ll catch me with the Nikon D500, Nikon Z6 and Leica D-LUX 7. Lens vary. Thanks to my crew over at HEX, I house it all in their custom HEX x Rory Kramer Cinema Backpack.
TV: What are some of your favorite techniques when it comes to editing styles/ways you present your work? Do you have different aesthetics for different types of work?
RC: To be honest besides converting an image to “black & white” and playing with shadows. My ADHD has me all over the place with editing sometimes. I need an assistant lol. Maybe I’ll use this time a play around with editing more.
RC: To be honest besides converting an image to “black & white” and playing with shadows. My ADHD has me all over the place with editing sometimes. I need an assistant lol. Maybe I’ll use this time a play around with editing more.
TV: COVID-19 has completely changed the lifestyle for soooo many different people, how has it effected you? Whether its work/photo related or just all together? How do you. keep yourself busy?
RC: I’m fortunate that I have a 9 to 5, so I’ve been busy this entire time.
RC: I’m fortunate that I have a 9 to 5, so I’ve been busy this entire time.
RC: Now that Concerts/Festivals/Events/ Social Gatherings(weddings, reunions, family portraits etc) /Sports etc are being cancelled/postponed all over the world due to COVID-19, how are you finding ways to stay creative?
RC: Funny, I haven’t done anything in regards to photography. I’ve make my custom denim vest. Mainly for music and wrestling fans. I’ve been able to keep my creative juices flowing. Those orders have been keeping my busy and on my toes.
RC: Funny, I haven’t done anything in regards to photography. I’ve make my custom denim vest. Mainly for music and wrestling fans. I’ve been able to keep my creative juices flowing. Those orders have been keeping my busy and on my toes.
TV: Once all this (hopefully) goes away, what are some of your plans to get back to a somewhat “normal” schedule?
RC: I’ve been keeping in steady contact with my pr contacts. I built an excel spreadsheet of everything I set to cover for the year. This way I can track cancelled and rescheduled events. This way I can be prepared when things get back moving.
RC: I’ve been keeping in steady contact with my pr contacts. I built an excel spreadsheet of everything I set to cover for the year. This way I can track cancelled and rescheduled events. This way I can be prepared when things get back moving.
TV: What are some of your favorite creative pieces/photos/opportunities
RC: I’m a huge gamer and I just booked covering the Esports Overwatch League. I was able to cover the first two events in Washington DC before the shutdowns.
RC: I’m a huge gamer and I just booked covering the Esports Overwatch League. I was able to cover the first two events in Washington DC before the shutdowns.
Here are a few of Renita’s favorite photos:
Renita
TV: Is there anything you would like to add as we end this interview?
RC: You can catch me on IG: @renitarenee or www.renitarenee.com
RC: You can catch me on IG: @renitarenee or www.renitarenee.com