Meet June Hucko

Today we’d like to introduce you to June Hucko.

June, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started taking photos in high school, just taking them of my friends wherever we went. As I became the designated photographer of the group, I quickly realized it was more than just a hobby. I chose to go to ASU to get out of Tucson (a city very dear to my heart even though I wanted to leave) and go to a new city, and I ended up in the Film major due to my love of visual arts. As I began creating more and more, I realized that the part that I was always drawn to and loved the most (in both Photography and Film) was Art Direction. So that’s when I became a Photographer/ Filmmaker/Art Director I guess!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely has not always been easy. When I first started, I found it really hard to believe in myself and my work, I was always wondering if it was as good as others. With photography and film being a rather expensive medium, I was worried about not having the best equipment and thought that was what equaled good work. While I was unsure about my ideas and my tools, it showed in my work. My confidence was low, my concepts were weak, and my work was not my top priority.

Once I got in the mindset that this is what I’m meant to do and it isn’t about what tools I’m using or what others are doing, my work really started to become something. I started creating for me. It’s about doing it, practicing it and being passionate. I’m a firm believer in being rather than becoming, that’s honestly changed my life.

I started practicing as much as I could and really giving it my all. Since I didn’t have the best equipment I figured out how to use it in the best way for what I am doing, and how to create more practically. While it’s important to use the right tool for the right job, you might not always have access to it. Obviously, we all want to use the best camera, equipment, and etc., but we don’t always have that budget (and what’s even the point if you don’t really know the best way to use it?). I’ve really learned to take advantage of everything around me and create with what I have. Being a photographer is really all about what is in frame- that’s why Art Direction so so SO important to me.

I use photography as a way to practice making films. In both, you tell a story, but to create a film you need a whole team behind you, in photography you really just need yourself and a concept. I started creating concepts and sets every day in my photography, and in that, I’ve learned how to effectively create sets and a feeling for a film. I became much better at storytelling once I started using the two to benefit each other.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with June Hucko – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Right now, I am a Photographer and an Art Director for photography and film. I would say I am most known for my photography, but I am starting to break more into the film/video industry. What really sets my work apart is my attention to the concept. I put a reason behind everything I do- like what’s my character’s story, why are they doing this, why are they here, and etc. My signature feeling is nostalgia. I like to think that my work reminds my audience of their past in a more surreal way. I also love color… really REALLY love color.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
One day (although probably not for a long time), I will be a Production Designer for independent feature-length films- like Call Me by Your Name, Lost in Translation, and A Ghost Story (just to name a few). In the near feature, I will be graduating from ASU with a degree in Filmmaking and starting a career in the New York film industry. I plan to still do photography in between projects and just for myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.junehucko.com/
• Phone: 520.343.8215
• Email: junehucko@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junehucko/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenhucko

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