A self-proclaimed ‘people shooter’, a highly motivated individual, an ‘innovative problem solver’, but more than anything else, Jay Silverman is a photographer par excellence.

A few words would not do sufficient justice to the brilliance of Jay Silverman’s genius. A much celebrated name in the photography world now, he started from scratch. After graduating with flying colours from the Brooks Institute of Photography, California, Jay Silverman aspired to become greater – following the works of greats like, Richard Avedon, Pete Turner, and Irving Penn.

His long list of accolades includes a prestigious Master of Professional Arts Award in 2000, awarded by Ernest Brooks himself, amongst other numerous Belding, Telly and Lucy awards. In the quest to fulfil his dreams, Silverman is now not only a photographer extraordinaire, but also a director. He has his own TV series, entitled ‘One On One’ that airs on TV One network. In a one-on-one with the maestro is Aditi Jain, eliciting his take on photography, his experiences and the learning that has resulted.

Describe "Jay Silverman" in one line.
Jay is an abundantly creative, innovative problem solver.

What is the biggest lesson you took away from your experience in photography school?
Learning how to solve problems on schedule without rationalization.

What do you enjoy shooting most, people or still life?
I enjoy working with people, specifically lifestyle.

What inspires you to capture the inner beauty and character of a person?
A quick read on their body language, spoken words and taking risks.

Having shot with some of the biggest faces across several Industries, how has your experience been and how do you market yourself?
I market myself as a people shooter; I believe that being able to touch a person and create expressive images with very little time requires confidence and good planning.

How do you manage between a successful career and being a loving husband and father to 3 girls?
Each day I have to be at both my studio as well as CBS/Paramount studios,  Because I can control my shooting schedule most of the time I can be home before 6:00pm everyday to be with my family and help my kids with homework. Recently I sold a TV show called “Cleaner” for A&E TV network so my life is very exciting but filled to the brim.

What type of camera(s) do you shoot with?
Nikon D3, Adobe Bridge, Adobe Photoshop.

What is your opinion on post-processing, especially enhancing pictures?
We do what we have to in order to satisfy our clients, but in most cases I prefer to polish my work prior to delivery via post-enhancing.

Tell me about an interesting experience working on one of your shoots?
Working with celebrities does create both frustration and satisfaction; recently I was fortunate to have worked with a true icon of the music world and not unlike working with Ray Charles. I did my research first. But in this case not only was I personally shunned by the talent with all my research out the window, I was only given one minute to make my photograph!

Which celebrities have you not yet photographed, but would love to shoot and why?
I would love to shoot more film actors. Currently while filming my TV show called “One on One” I had the good fortune to shoot both film and stills of wonderful actors like Denzel Washington and Will Smith.

Are you familiar with Indian photographers and their work? Your thoughts…
Not really, but would love to learn about them.

What would you say to other enthusiast photographers out there who aspire to what you've achieved?
First, I would suggest you find yourself a mentor, then if you’re lucky to have the opportunity to work with them as a fly-on-the-wall assistant that is the best. Then set out to achieve your dream. Secondly, nothing in life is impossible if you really want it. I just sold a TV show based on my own personal experience as a father with three young children; believe it or not it's now going to be a television show not only in the US but also in Europe.

Photos by Jay Silverman | Fotosocial