55+ Living Guide 55+ Living Guide Fall 2017 | Page 30

L O CA L S P OT L I G H T Life through his Lens Some of Randall Perry’s photos shown right. See more at RandallPerry.com We met with this issue’s cover photographer, Randall Perry. Here’s what he had to tell us about his life as the most sought after, private and commercial architectural photographer in the area. 1. What have you liked best about your life so far? What is your proudest moment? Randall Perry Photographer, age 59 30 While there are many moments of my life so far that I have liked, I think having a hobby back in Junior High School that since developed into a successful & fulfilling career is up high on this list. My photography has been both rewarding & exciting, allowing me to travel to great locations and with some of the best architectural, design & hospitality trades, from the NY Capital Region, to Cape Cod to our third location in Southwest Florida. Many of the people I have worked with over the years have become great friends. Having a wonderful wife who understands this passion is also a blessing I never take for granted. While I can think of many, my proudest moment was the birth of my two sons and watching them grow into fine adults. Professionally, I’m proud of my work published throughout my career and most recently published a coffee table book, “Naples – A Photographic Portrait”. Fall 2017 | 55PlusLivingGuide.com 2. What advice would you give the 25 year old version of yourself if you could? That’s a tough one. I think delegating some of my work to others who are qualified to do the work, and free me up to do what I specialize in would be a good decision. I would also make more time for my family. When I started out, I worked a lot. I worked weekends, and I was at the mercy of mother nature. She kind of depicted my schedule. If it was rainy during the week, and sunny on the weekend, I’d work the weekend to keep ahead of the work flow. In hind sight, I gave up a lot of time I could have spent with my kids. The work would have always been there, the kids, not so much. I think they saw me as always working. 3. Have you had any expectations about what growing older might be like for you? It’s funny, I feel like a 32-year-old in body and mind. I don’t think of my age as anything like a number. I realize that retirement is eminent at some point, but I feel I am just as active as I have always been. I am very fortunate to have both of my parents still living, and they are probably the best parents anyone could have asked for. We celebrated my Dad’s 90th this July, so when I see how they still enjoy life and are out and about every day, I feel I have many years ahead of me to do the same. 4. How do you define a good or successful life? I’ve always loved that simple little illustrated character of the “Life is Good” series. I smile when I see one of those T shirts, because I always think the same thing, “yeah life is GOOD.” Personally, I have a great family that all live within 20 minutes of each other. That’s something pretty special these days where many families are spread across the country. I still have many of my friends from Shenendehowa who I see on a regular basis, and there is a lot of great history there. Professionally, I have had great opportunities from shooting jobs overseas, to National Park Resorts out West, as well as numerous private residences, hotels and commercial projects from Maine to Florida. Growing up locally and beginning my career here has been great. Overall, I think I’ve had a pretty great life, both personally and professionally. 5. What do you look forward to now? I don’t see myself slowing down anytime soon. I love my work and profession, and I enjoy it immensely. One thing I look forward to is to spend extended time at our place in the Adirondacks. Time spent with my wife kayaking, hiking and enjoying this area is high on my list when my schedule allows it. I also look forward to being able to work with a diverse group of clients on the Cape and in Southwest FL. Fall 2017 | 55PlusLivingGuide.com 31