The first episode of Adorama’s new web reality series Top Photographer with Nigel Barker airs November 1st , and we are excited to introduce you to the talented young photographers that will be competing on the reality show for a $50,000 prize package of Canon gear and an exclusive photo exhibition in New York City hosted by Nigel Barker. As the 5 finalists arrived to New York’s Paper Factory Hotel in Long Island City to prepare for the first series of challenges, we sat down to get the low-down on each contestant. Who do you think will come out on top?
Roxy Rodriguez
“I think…no, I know that photography is what I want to do with my life. Even if it’s not here where I reach that goal, I’m going to make it happen somewhere else because it’s what I want to do with my life. I’m sure of it.”
California-based photographer, Roxy Rodriguez, hasn’t spent much time in the Big Apple before arriving for Top Photographer. As the only female contestant on the show, she says, “I actually really like it because I feel like I’m one of the guys. I want to prove to everyone that I deserve to be here just as much as all of these guys.” Roxy certainly has an impressive photo portfolio that will make her tough competition. Specializing in both natural and studio lighting, Roxy’s work ranges from creative and professional portraiture to commercial and ad photography. See Roxy’s work here.
Andrew Kearns
“It’s a very different environment being here in New York City. It’s tricky….I mean I love New York, and it’s my third time here as well, but I definitely don’t know what to expect because it’s a completely different element of photography and location than what I’m used to.”
Andrew is a long way from his homebase of Seattle, but is no stranger to travel. In addition to being a photographer, Andrew is an avid vlogger, often sharing tales from his outdoor adventures in the wilderness of Alaska. While most of the other contestants have done some amount of studio work, Andrew says, “I’ve never done a day of studio work in my life…It will be very interesting to see the challenges they come up with…” See Andrew’s work here.
Chris Palermo
“I’m curious to see how I respond to this high pressure stuff. All these people watching me shoot and edit, and then critiquing and judging me…”
A freelance photographer and videographer from Norwalk, CT, Chris says he hopes the challenges on the show will involve some sort of sports photography, like skateboarding. He says, “I’m really excited for the whole experience to see what they throw at us. There’s probably going to be some areas where I’m better than the others…” One look at his work shows a true eye of a documentarian, having photographed the people and scenery of the many cities around the world he’s traveled to over the years. He shows no sign of ending his wanderlust anytime soon, and says he has plans to travel to Europe in the upcoming year. See Chris’s work here.
Scott Borrero
“Before I started photography, I tried my hand at modeling. I feel like that really helped me to learn the other side of the camera and to feel the pressure that the model is feeling and to take some of that off.”
Scott Borrero has already enjoyed great success as a commercial photographer and social media influencer, with clients that include Nike, Canon, Jeep, Ram, the Holiday Inn, Lexus and more. The San Francisco-based photographer says he’s a “California guy” through and through, so it will be interesting to see how the New York City backdrop might influence his work. His sunny disposition comes across in a lot of his work, as he explains, “I try to create the most ideal image. I like to have almost a glossy, ‘life is beautiful,’ ‘everything is great’ kind of feel about my images…” One can’t help but wonder if it’s possible that the gritty streets of New York might help him explore a darker side, perhaps? See Scott’s work here.
Jamiya Wilson
“What sets me apart from the other contestants? Experience, skill-set and drive. I’m used to working under pressure and in high-energy situations. This competition will allow me to show everything I can do on a really great platform.”
Originally from Jackson, Mississippi , Jamiya is a portrait photographer who now lives in New York City. Jamiya says that after first meeting the other contestants, he doesn’t expect any “drama.” Upon meeting Jamiya, his Southern charm can be disarming, but that’s not to say that his time in New York City hasn’t given him a competitive edge. He says, “Everyone here is likable, but I know there has to be a winner, and I’m really hoping that it’s me.” See more of Jamiya’s work here.
Only time will tell as we wait to see what kinds of challenges these five enterprising photographers will have to take on. We certainly can’t wait to find out who is going to come out on top!
