Today’s Notable Young Professional is Toronto-based photographer Arthur Mola, who’s shot some of the biggest celebrities at the world’s most coveted events. We caught up with him to find out what his inspired his career path and what advice he would share with other young professionals…
WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
Event & portrait photographer for an amazing roster of clients. I’m also the Lead Entertainment Photographer in Canada for the Associated Press/Invision.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
Since I was a kid I’ve always enjoyed looking at photos. Photography has a way of taking me back in time, giving me a glimpse into another person’s life or seeing parts of the world without physically being there. It’s a pretty magical medium and I wanted to give people who saw my photos that same ability.
With my client work, I’m always thinking of how to shoot an event like it’s the best thing happening in the city. I want people to wish they were there when they look at the photos or be able to look back at them a year later and remember it like it was yesterday.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
One of the most memorable milestones was when I was invited to cover the Cannes Film Festival for the Associated Press. It’s always been a dream of mine.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
I’ve always wanted to photograph the Oscars. I also have ideas for how I’d like to shoot certain events that I would love to see come to fruition in the future. Eventually I’d like to host exhibitions that showcase my work and perhaps create a book or two.
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Take opportunities when they are presented to you and try to make them when they are not. I got myself accredited to shoot a Korn concert two weeks after I purchased my first camera when I was 16. That perseverance led to other opportunities like shooting Toronto Fashion Week and film festivals around the world. You never know which doors will open as a result of an opportunity, so don’t be afraid to jump feet first into the deep end. Putting yourself into new and intimidating situations is almost always beneficial.
6. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Being the youngest person shooting prominent events like Toronto Fashion Week and TIFF wasn’t easy at times because there were instances when people looked at me as a “kid with a camera” instead of a working professional. In the back of my mind I knew that once they saw my work and how I carried myself they would respect what I was doing, but I was working that much harder to prove myself in my industry. Having a baby face didn’t help my case, either. I’m 26 now and still get carded at the LCBO, so you can only imagine.
7. What does the word notable mean to you?
Notable means having an interesting story to your success. Everyone admires people’s accomplishments, but I find the back-stories more compelling.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
The Soho House has been my go-to for when I want a nice night out ever since I became a founding member. I love the vibe across the House, and their menu – for both food and drinks – is delicious. I usually run into friends or clients whenever I’m there.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Business Insider. As for my most played song, that’s always in flux.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Joe Rogan.
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Hungary. Most of my family lives there and I always feel so at home when I visit. I’ll be back in Hungary this summer along with France and England with my beautiful girlfriend Vanessa.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
When I’m not doing what I love for a living as a photographer I try to spend my spare time doing the other things I’m passionate about in life, so I haven’t really experienced that yet. I guess I have FOMO from not experiencing FOMO yet. Is that a thing?
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Definitely Nutella. I eat it by the spoon. Pardon me – the ladle. Then again, I don’t really feel too guilty about it. Speaking of which, where’s that ladle?
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
I bought a Leica M240 in 2013, which is a very expensive, albeit fantastic and iconic German camera. It was worth it because I take it with me everywhere. I felt like it paid for itself after the first two weeks of using it.
I wish I put more money into travelling. I really love wandering around cities I’ve never been before with nothing more than a curious mind and my Leica. I usually travel for shoots but I’d love to see more parts of the world without $40,000 worth of gear.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
When you’re able to make a living doing something that fulfills you, makes other people happy, and as a result you’re afforded the ability to do more of the things that bring you joy in your spare time. For me, it’s pursuing personal photography projects on the side of the work that I do for my amazing clients, practicing mixed martial arts and yoga, drumming, and travelling.