Photographer Andrew Van Dis relies on his artistic talents to create and generate income in an environment where self-employment has proven all too common.

“I didn’t think about being a professional photographer until after my college photojournalism class,” said Van Dis.

Van Dis explained how a basic interest and the right tools are all anyone needs to go as far as he did, saying that he started by simply experimenting with his dad’s camera while in college.

He was then introduced to a few of America’s most skilled photographers when he delved into what the National Press Photographer’s Association (NPPA) had to offer.

“I got a job with the newspaper which gave me the motivation to look further into visual journalism as a career,” added Van Dis. “As a member of NPPA, I was exposed to presentations from people like sports photographer, Neil Leifer, whom I consider to be my biggest inspirations.”

Van Dis quickly learned how difficult doing what he loves as a source of income could be due to print media such as magazines and newspapers facing consistent financial instabilities.

“When I first started shooting for newspapers they told me I was going to be covering automobile accidents, things with guts and glory, the headlines stuff,” said Van Dis, “But there are very few assignments like that.”

Out of all the stories he has shot for the papers, he values feature stories the most, as it is a way to get more in touch with the readers through various angles.

“Leifer’s work is great and people love it because they love sports, but it is more of just action rather than helping the viewer interact with the subject,” said Van Dis.

Van Dis stated it would be nice to consistently work as an art photographer or a photojournalist, but as he figured out early on, there is not enough money in those professions alone for him. He relies on commercial photography projects with small contracts where he is paid after the work is completed.

“I’ll do things like photograph an event or place or something that’s going on and then market those photos afterwards,” said Van Dis.

“Whatever it is I got to go out and do it because it pays the rent, and working as a photojournalist it is uncertain if you are going to have something for the rent,” said Van Dis, explaining his commercial subject matter ranges from buildings to individual products.

Aside from creating or going out in search of work, Van Dis often has work that is featured and for sale in galleries throughout the Bay Area.

“The best part of having my photographs in a gallery is being able to go in and see it there for people to view, and then getting that response from the critics,” said Van Dis.

As the artist, Van Dis only receives this admiration or criticisms of his photos when the galleries hold their receptions.

What Van Dis sees as the ultimate reward is when someone actually purchases his work and takes it home, regardless of the monetary value.

“Photography is more relatable to people because it is more of a craft than an art and you’re using a tool, the same technique, and the same material,” said Van Dis.

“A watercolor or oil painter will stare at a blank canvas and when finished with their art, people enjoy viewing to see what most will say they can never do,” he added introspectively.

Van Dis is currently planning on shooting Hayward’s historic “places and faces” with an artistic interpretation, which he will combine into a book.

A few of Van Dis’ photos are also currently on display until June 8 in historic downtown Hayward at the Cinema Place Gallery on B Street.