Cody Conk (Delaware) |
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Cody Conk is a Philadelphia Photographer and also founder and creator of Focus North. With the strong motivation he maintains, Conk has been able to progress and elevate not only his own brand, but other photographers as well. Something Firs State Studios in particular loves to see in the community. In the wise words of the founder of Focus North...
"Anyone can honestly accomplish anything they put their mind, time and effort into. I’ve only been doing photography for a little over 4 months now, and have come along way in such a short time. Find something that you love, and don’t look back."
"Anyone can honestly accomplish anything they put their mind, time and effort into. I’ve only been doing photography for a little over 4 months now, and have come along way in such a short time. Find something that you love, and don’t look back."
Interview by Kyle Sobieski
Give us a run down of Focus North. What inspired you to build this platform and why is it so important?
Focus North is a group focused on content creation, photoshoots/portraits, and social media marketing. I’ve always had an entrepreneur mentality and wanted to start my own business. When I was 21, I started my own social media group and had some early success, but with certain circumstances and getting promoted into a managerial role at my full time job, I had to let it go. This time around, I wanted to create a business that I would fully commit to, and look to hopefully one day make it a full time job. What are some of the benefits of being a photographer in Philadelphia? Are there any disadvantages? Being a photographer in general has been awesome, but being able to do it in the city that I love makes it that much better. The best part about it is being able to met some incredible photographers/people from doing something I enjoy. I think no matter where you’re located, you’ll always feel that they’re disadvantages after being somewhere for such a long time. |
What motivates you to succeed? Are there rituals or any practices that help you maintain a go-getter mindset?
I’m a huge sports fan and have always had the mindset to do everything in my power to win, or be on top. For the last 15 years, I’ve also been in a sales & business environment, which has helped train myself to have a positive & confident mindset with anything I look to do/accomplish.
I’m a huge sports fan and have always had the mindset to do everything in my power to win, or be on top. For the last 15 years, I’ve also been in a sales & business environment, which has helped train myself to have a positive & confident mindset with anything I look to do/accomplish.
We noticed you photographed Ant and Dec from Britain's Got Talent. Did you run into them or what happened there? Tell us about that day.
It was one of those right places at the right time moments. I was taking photos that day in center city and headed towards the art museum to try and get some sunset shots. As I got to the rocky steps, 3 SUVs pulled up and out popped 2 gentlemen, cameras, staff and body guards. At first, I wasn’t quite sure who it was since there were so many people around. I finally realized after a huge group of children ran up to them screaming their names, as there was a school trip visiting as well. I hung around for a little bit and started having a conversation with some of the TV crew and their team. Eventually we built a rapport and the guys asked me to take some photos of their crew. I gladly accepted and after helping them out I simply asked to take some shots of Ant and Dec, and they were more than happy too. |
Have you ever dabbled with film? Do you think film or digital is more your style and why one over the other?
I haven’t gotten into video/film but that is the ultimate goal for myself and Focus North. One of the reasons why I went with the Sony a7iii was for the fact that it is excellent for video.
I haven’t gotten into video/film but that is the ultimate goal for myself and Focus North. One of the reasons why I went with the Sony a7iii was for the fact that it is excellent for video.
For someone looking to Elevate Their Brand, what is one of the most important skill sets to have?
Consistency & patience. Building a brand doesn’t happen over night. Most people don’t see instant success or hit a plateau with their goals and lose their motivation to continue.
Consistency & patience. Building a brand doesn’t happen over night. Most people don’t see instant success or hit a plateau with their goals and lose their motivation to continue.
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