Baiden Interviewer: Hi Georgio, it’s great to have you here today. You have quite an impressive career as a tour photographer for Jill Scott and the Alize concert. Can you tell us a little bit about how you got started in photography?
Georgio Sabino III: Thank you for having me. It’s been quite a journey. I actually started in photography when I was living in Cleveland, Ohio. I had just won a spot in a loft building that the mayor, Michael White, had invested $2 million into reviving the arts community. I had a love for art and composition, so when I got my first camera, I taught myself how to use it and started taking photos of anything and everything around me. I was fascinated by the way that I could capture a moment in time with just a click of a button.
Interviewer: That’s amazing. So how did you end up working as a tour photographer for Jill Scott and the Alize concert?
Georgio Sabino III: Well, one day, Jill Scott’s team was in Cleveland, Ohio, where I was living at the time, and they saw some of my work. They were impressed by what they saw and asked if I would be interested in touring with Jill as her photographer. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity and ended up touring with her for three years.
Interviewer: That’s incredible. What was it like touring with Jill Scott and photographing some of the biggest names in the music industry, like Queen Latifah and Erykah Badu?
Georgio Sabino III: It was amazing. Jill has such an incredible voice. Her voice has been described as “rich, warm, and full of emotion.” She has a unique way of delivering her lyrics that really captures the audience. And as for photographing some of the biggest names in the industry, it was a dream come true. I got to meet and photograph some of my idols, like Chaka Khan and Roberta Flack.
Interviewer: Wow, that sounds like an incredible experience. And what about the after-parties? Can you describe what those were like?
Georgio Sabino III: The after-parties were amazing. There were always drinks and toasts and a general sense of merriment. It was a chance for everyone to let their hair down and enjoy each other’s company after a long day of performing. It really felt like a family.
Interviewer: That sounds wonderful. So you’ve gone on to photograph some pretty impressive people since then, like five U.S. presidents and 13 billionaires. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
Georgio Sabino III: Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to have some incredible opportunities since touring with Jill. I’ve photographed everyone from Jay Z and BeyoncĂ© to Maya Angelou and B.B. King. I’ve also photographed weddings all across the country, from East Indian weddings to traditional American ones. I even had the privilege of being the principal photographer for George Fraser and PowerNetworking conference.
Interviewer: That’s really impressive. And you’ve accomplished all of this as a self-taught photographer?
Georgio Sabino III: Yes, I taught myself everything I know about photography. I learned about aperture, shutter, and light through trial and error, and I credit Bern Webb for helping me along the way. And I had the opportunity to learn from John Isaac, who spoke about the importance of composition and not just keeping up with technology.
Interviewer: Well, you certainly seem to have mastered the art of composition. Your photographs are truly stunning. Thank you so much for sharing your incredible journey with us, Georgio.
Georgio Sabino III: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.