About The Author
Tony Berru
The story behind the stories, and the journey that led to this creative space
One of my best friends from my youth told me I have a comic-book mind. At the time, I wasn't too excited to have my friend tag me with what I perceived as a negative label. It seemed shallow somehow. Over the years, I came to see the insightfulness of the observation. The truth is that I really do process thoughts in pictures. Someone can ask a question, and I envision the answer as a descriptive image, kinda like a storyboard.
Oops, as I sit here adding the finishing touches to the "About the author" section of this site, I am laughing at myself because I have fallen into the trap of not starting talking about a routine transition FROM something TO something else. In fact, I finished the entire "About" section before I even realized I was supposed to be sharing about my writing. Telling stories and being thoughtful in such a different way is both satisfying and uncomfortable. The one saving grace is that, going from photographer to writer, the storytelling seems easier than, let's say, being a coal miner and becoming a gourmet chef.
My Writing
This may be the shortest part of the "About Tony Berru" section, haha. It is the least official part of my skill set, it IS the one that's the most exciting and hopeful for me to chase after. I have been waiting for the right timing, and the pandemic provided the impetus
"Good Sports and Event photography is the antithesis of thinking in life's fast lane. What makes a great image is always measured by more than just a simple click at a sporting event. Great shots require vision and patience"
My Photography
I developed an interest in photography in my mid-teens. Under the instruction of a great photographer, Ed Bogenschild, I found a calling behind the lens. Timing was not my friend, however, and after high school graduation, I spent the next 32 years doing anything but photography.
In 2002, my son started playing high school baseball and football. Each season brought either a better camera system or new lenses, and my old passion began to reemerge. As he played more and advanced further, I ended up with many more opportunities to hang with and shoot amazing athletes.
My son's developing baseball skills led to a college scholarship out of state, and I ended up driving across the country a few times a year. There wasn't a single road trip that didn't also come with images of great faces or cool landscapes, and ultimately some pretty fun stories.
My son's developing baseball skills led to a college scholarship out of state, and I ended up driving across the country a few times a year. There wasn't a single road trip that didn't also come with images of great faces or cool landscapes, and ultimately some pretty fun stories.
They represent the art of anticipation and spatial awareness, as well as a willingness to see something special "show up" after I have done my best to be a patient man. There are no more valuable things in life than when someone sees what I see in one of my galleries and then asks me to be part of their event.
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Since those early days of sports shooting, I found that my style of photojournalistic shooting also worked well in the street event experience. I have always believed that people were far more attractive and expressive when photographed candidly.
Candid Moments are Golden
A good photograph is a powerful reminder of unique moments in time, life landmarks, you might say. While landscapes and staged images can be really awesome, the significance of a great moment is worth its weight in gold. That is what I look for when I grab my camera bag and head out for the day.