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
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