Behind The Lens: Lonewolf
Written by Greg Harris
The Behind the Lens photography based interview series have introduced MLM readers to some of the brightest individuals behind the camera. The series has primarily focused on the aspects of different photographers that have crossed our path but we didn’t want to only have some highlights on people who are shooting some of your favorite artists and festivals, but we wanted to get the individuals who are capturing the essence of these moments from a videographer’s viewpoint.
Today as we expand our horizons, we focus on the material and the diligence of a hard working man behind the camera, Lonewolf. The Indiana raised director + editor has solidified himself as one of the critical assets to artists’ visuals in the area. He has worked with the likes of Yung Bans, LUCKI, Plu2oNash, Warhol SS, Rarri, and more. His pieces of work with these individuals show the creative differentiation he sets in his material along with the expansion of zones he takes the viewer into in a matter of 3-4 minutes. This type of method of shooting and editing makes him of the enigmas for this generation’s selection of shooters behind the camera.
We recently had a chance to speak to him about his upbringing in Indiana, working with LUCKI, being apart of the buzzing Midwest scene, and more.
Read Below.
How’s Your Modern Life?
It seems like I'm out of town every other month but for now, it's simple. I love it. I'm at home editing a lot of the time. If a friend calls me to go get food or go thrift I'm always down. I walk my dog and workout.
What are three things you have to do when you first wake up?
Check social media, check emails, and it might sound funny but I write "To Do" lists every day of things I have to get done.
Growing up in the Midwest, how was your upbringing?
I can't complain, I made friends with all the kids on my street, and at school, so we always figured out something to do. I went through many phases from listening to 50 Cent and Lupe Fiasco to Green Day and Underoath it was amazing. Being in a far suburb from Chicago, I feel like most people got their style from Chicago (people in Indiana say they're from Chicago too much too).
What were some things that inspired you to go beyond the city limits of Indiana?
Just the feeling of not wanting to be local forever. It drove me to reach out to artists not in my area and I think that's important no matter where you live.
The first moments of getting familiarized with a camera are memorable, what moment inspired you to start picking up working with a camera?
When I was little, my brother sold his mini bike for an old Canon camcorder so we would make skits pretty much every day. We made skits because all we would watch are JACKASS movies. That's where everything started.
Who are some photographers/videographers that help you carve out your own lane?
This videographer LONEWOLF. He's kind of wild. haha no but I think BRTHR really made me want to go crazier. Their videos made me realize my work wasn't shit and to go outside of my boundaries.
As far as stage names go, what made you choose the name Lonewolf?
Oh god. Well when I first made a twitter I went by Wolfdaddyflacko. I was heavily influenced by Odd Future and A$AP at that time apparently. People in my school started to call me that and when being a videographer started picking up for me I didn't want people calling me Wolfdaddy. So I went by Whylonewolf aka LONEWOLF.
In your film work, you incorporate a lot over transparent overlays such as the burn holes, the cutout letters, glares, and more. What inspires you to produce this type of work in your videos?
Honestly just messing around in software and figuring out what I like personally. I always try to be open-minded when working with videos without trying to be corny. Some styles just stick, so I capitalize without overdoing it.
You’ve worked with the likes of Rarri, Lucki, RonSoCold, Warhol SS, and more. What has been one of your favorite videos you’ve shot and edited?
Ahh, that's hard. I think the V12 video I shot with Rarri and Warhol SS will always be one of my favorites. I discovered my style through that video.
"I remember this time last year I used to get so embarrassed when somebody asked me what I do for a living. I'm very inspired and confident right now. Michael Jackson grew up 8 minutes from me; I think that alone is enough to drive me to be the best I could be. "
Earlier in your work, you’ve done a lot with LUCKI and Plu2oNash, how has your relationship with them inspire your work in your career?
I think they made me realize that I could do this as a career. I have more work with them coming out in the future too.
How does it feel to be a rising creative coming from Indiana?
I don't even know where to start. I love Indiana so much and my friends keep me motivated because they're so talented and supportive. I remember this time last year I used to get so embarrassed when somebody asked me what I do for a living. I'm very inspired and confident right now. Michael Jackson grew up 8 minutes from me; I think that alone is enough to drive me to be the best I could be.
How do you want to be an inspiration for those who are back home reading this interview?
It's hard to answer that without sounding like a parent, but I would like to be some kind of evidence that doing what you love will pay off in time. It sucks at first but trust your crazy ideas.
What are three goals you want to accomplish this year?
Throw my own show in Chicago. Start a short film. Reach a million views.
When it’s all said and done, how do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as that kid from Indiana that was funny and made timeless work for people to enjoy long after I'm gone. No matter if it's a video, a movie, clothes or music. I still have a long way to go.