Photographer based in Baltimore, MD
Drew Poland
Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
My background has actually been less creative than it is now. I've spent the last two decades working in technology, where there wasn’t much room for creative expression. Late 2023, I picked up a camera with serious intent after not touching one since the early 2000s. I knew I needed a creative outlet, and it felt natural to pick up where I left off after abandoning the idea of pursuing photojournalism as a career.
Fortunately, everything happens for a reason, and my life experiences have only helped, even if I’ve come to them later than some. Being able to approach my work with a sense of process has been massively helpful.
Untitled, 2025
“Most of my work is rooted in subculture or things that feel “out of the ordinary,” so I think there’s a gravity pulling me toward certain people and places, whether I’m conscious of it in the moment or not."
Charles, Josie, and Maddie at Skatepark of Baltimore
What are you currently working on and where did the inspiration for it come from?
I’ve always got a few projects going and like to keep busy with a mix of things. There are common themes that run through the work, and in some ways it all connects into a larger body of work. Right now, I’m focused on the city I live in, which sits a little off the beaten path from the larger Baltimore area, making portraits at local skateparks and spending time at an off-grid skatepark community in Ohio.
Left: Bink at Skatepark of Baltimore; Right:Mark at North Laurel
Where do ideas start for you?
This is a tough one because as much as I go out and seek, I also really try to let it come to me. Sometimes I’m just driving, see something, and that sparks an idea I want to explore on a broader level. Occasionally it sticks and grows from an idea into a project.
With the Local Skaters work, I stopped at a skatepark one day and started chatting with some people. I was warmly accepted, so I kept coming back and getting invited into more spaces and situations. That eventually led me to the off-grid skatepark community in Ohio.
Most of my work is rooted in subculture or things that feel “out of the ordinary,” so I think there’s a gravity pulling me toward certain people and places, whether I’m conscious of it in the moment or not.
Left: Brianna at Sawmill; Right: Brian at Skatepark of Baltimore
Many artists live by their routines, what does that look like for you?
Oh yeah, I've got some rituals and routines for sure. My background comes to play here where I desire a lot of consistent structure when I'm making meaningful work.
Playlists are a crucial one. I'm trying to create more tender work in 2026, so I've pared down the music a bit to be more chill.
Less Dillinger Escape Plan, more Hudson Freeman.
Left: Elise at Skatepark of Baltimore; Right: Isma and Jahnell at Skatepark of Baltimore
Who are your biggest influences?
The list of influences is quite long, as I'm really just starting to discover a lot of work that resonates with me, so I'm trying to consume a lot of it. Living near a dedicated photobook store is pretty big in driving that forward. Shoutout to Baltimore Photo Space!
Right now I'm really into Justine Kurland, Raymond Meeks, Curran Hattleberg, and Judith Black. Girl Pictures moves around the house with me being left open at random pages.
I'm also heavily influenced by my friends and the people I've met. Being able to spend time with someone who makes work you enjoy is hugely helpful to understanding your own work.
I really wouldn't be headed in the direction I currently am if it wasn't for the help and encouragement of people like:
Joseph Giordano
Bryan Schutmaat
Katie Kanazawich
Kyle Meyers
Sam Levin
Wesley Lapointe
Jon Hugen
Ben Bishop
Grace Dodds
Ian Gregory
Calli Westra
Eliso Tsintsabadze
Meghan Kirkwood
Ben Spiewak
Amir Behroozi
Alec Zabrecky
Are there books or films that are an important source of inspiration?
My top movie I have on repeat is Friday Night Lights. Between the captured emotion and soundtrack, this can easily put me in a place that I can create the type of work I'm leaning into.
Terry and his daughter at Skatepark of Baltimore
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
This is so silly and feels obvious now, but… gear and technical perfection doesn't really matter. An out of focus or grainy photo can still tell a story.
Letting go of any stresses of "perfection" have driven me towards making work that's emotional and thought provoking.
Untitled, 2025
What is the best advice you would give to other artists?
Put yourself out there. I see so many great and wonderful artists not being recognized because they aren't sharing. There's something to be said about scarcity and unveiling work when it's fully realized, but I think many are taking it too far and not sharing enough.
Even if not publicly, tightly within your circle of friends and family, make it known what you are doing. You would be surprised who can help you get to the next step.
Untitled, 2025
Stay up to date with Drew Poland
Website bmoredrew.format.com
Instagram @bmoredrewfoto