Interview With Photographer Shem Roose

May 12th, 2008 Posted in Interviews

From the backwoods of Vermont comes a creative talent whose images speak for themselves. Shem Roose is a longtime professional photographer who has cut his teeth on the snowboard scene through his many years at Transworld Snowboarding and then has worked for many of the most successful brands in the business. He has since spread his photographic wings into lifestyle, environments and traditional sports, all while hunkering down to family business and raising two young children. Now based in Richmond, Vermont he stays sane by skateboarding, snowboarding and jumping rope.

RF: Where did you grow up?
Shem: Cambridge, New York

RF: What were you into growing up?
Shem: Soccer, bike riding, and anything that my brother was into.

RF: What do you worry about?
Shem: I try not to, but I worry about my kids and being a good father.

RF: Do you like everything you do?
Shem: If you like everything you do, then you’re not being critical enough or realistic with yourself. So, no.

RF: How did you know you wanted to be a photographer?
Shem: All the other “careers” that were suggested throughout High School just seemed boring. I knew that I didn’t have the ability to be a Pro skater or snowboarder, so I figured I may as well shoot photos of people who were doing those things.

RF: What’s your ideal photographic subject?
Shem: I enjoy shooting portraits, but lately just staying busy and shooting a variety of things like skating, wildlife, and aerial photos has felt like my ideal scenario.

RF: Are you easy to work with?
Shem: You’d have to ask people that have worked with me.

RF: What’s your favorite place?
Shem: It depends on what mood I’m in and who I’m with.

RF: Who or what inspires you?
Shem: People who have multiple creative talents are inspiring. I’m inspired by musicians, artists and people who work at making things in our lives better. Better food, clothing, homes, cars, etc…

RF: What other photographers do you like?
Shem: Gabe Morford, Jeff Brouws, Michael Collopy, Eugene Smith, Tierney Gearon, Sally Mann, Annie Leibovitz, Grant Brittain, Richard Avedon, to name a few.

RF; Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
Shem: Surf, swim, play guitar, spend time with my family.

RF: Is there a 2008 style?
Shem: High Definition Plasma, over saturated, over exposed…I don’t know.

RF: What’s next for your photos?
Shem: Continue to shoot a variety of subjects/activities and work on new lighting styles.

For more information on Shem Roose, please visit shemroose.com