Who are? Tell us your story in a few short sentences.
My name is Mack Woodruff and I'm a Director of Photography. I often specialize in conservation, sports, and culture documentary work.
In what ways does your work give you purpose? How does it fulfil you?
I'm obsessed with camera work - truly everything about it. I love thinking about depth of field, color, movement, light, etc. There are so many factors that go into making a good piece, but I'm constantly striving to do something bigger and better. Fulfillment I think comes from that mission, but it's a constant moving target, that I'd be lying if I said I wasn't chasing.
What are the moments you feel most grateful for what you do?
Having a camera is a very powerful thing, and I've been blessed to find myself in some really special situations. I've filmed the translocation of 40+ rhino from South Africa to Rwanda. I've filmed inside the reactors in Chernobyl. I've filmed with elephant poachers, MVP's of the NFL, MLB, and NBA, and nomadic tribes in the Himalayas. This job never ceases to open up opportunities for people who are talented and willing to work hard.
MACK WOODRUFF
What's the most surprising way your work has changed you?
My work has made me question my reality around me. A lot of the time, the ideas you have about the world prove to not be true once you get to experience them for yourself.
How do you balance presence and productivity in your life?
At the moment, I would say that I do not balance them. I'm much more focused physically and mentally on my career productivity.
When do you feel most vulnerable?
When I'm leaving my tent in Cameroon in the middle of the night to go pee.
What role does Agora play in your creative journey?
The Agora has been an amazing respite to come back to after a long day of work. The energy in the building feels like a home, and all of the creature comforts make it the perfect place to unwind.
If you had to describe yourself beyond your work, what would that sound like?
I like to think that I'm a social cameleon, able to fit in in most environments. I'm a fun-loving person who doesn't take himself very seriously outside of the creative space. I love this life, and I try to live like it's a fleeting adventure - which it is.
