Henry O. Head

This week Intercru was lucky enough to speak with director and photographer Henry O. Head. Check out some of his videos and photography below, along with an interview we did to learn more about Henry.

Intercru: Where are you from?

Henry: I was born in Irving, Texas, but have lived in Southwest Missouri most of my life.

I spent ages 19-24 traveling, mostly via hitchhiking, around the US, Mexico, Europe, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand (where I met my wife). At this point these travels abroad feel just as much “where I am from” as the hometown I grew up in. 

Where do you live and work now?

Currently living in Branson, Missouri- which, for those who don’t know, is like Las Vegas for old people. The whole town is full of go-kart tracks, mini golf courses, and theatres where musicians who are on the downhill in their careers come to perform. Most of my work, however, is out of state.

What really makes you happy?

My wife, skateboarding, spending time with friends, Mezcal, reading, swimming, taking photos, creating Super 8mm videos, learning something new. Feeling really grateful in this season of my life; there’s a lot to be happy about. 

What is the best gift you’ve ever been given?

My father in law bought my wife and me a Mamiya 645 Pro TL as an engagement present in 2018. I’ve put hundreds of rolls through that camera and have loved the sharpness and depth that it produces. (Thanks, Tony!)

What’s your favorite season of the year?

Summer! Getting friends together for a dock day at my parent’s lake house is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon. We usually bring a cooler full of beer, a watermelon to chop up and distribute, a speaker to share music & pool noodles. We also always end up swimming over to the neighboring dock to catch turtles that have climbed up to bask. No other way I’d rather spend a day. 

Who’s your favorite band or musician?

Oooof. It’s got to be a toss-up between Anderson .Paak & Pinegrove for me. Both of those artists are inexhaustible. 

What was your first job?

I got a job working retail when I was 15 at a PacSun. Spent all day folding clothes and tagging items that were on sale. Very monotonous. Humble beginnings are great though because they put all future career paths into perspective. 

If you could meet any celebrity in the world, who would it be?

Director Terrence Malick! His approach to composition and his method of unpacking deep ideas through symbolism and dialogue are something I’d love to talk with him about. 

In 3 words how would you describe yourself?

Spontaneous, curious, and passionate.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

Assisi, Italy! The birthplace of one of my heroes: St Francis.

I visited with my family when I was a teenager and have dreamed of returning to those cobblestone streets and modest cottages ever since. One of the nights we were there, my father and I walked up to a castle on the hill that overlooked the town. A side door was unlocked, so we walked inside and made our way up a staircase to the roof. We swung our legs of the side of the overlook and shared a cigar. A couple girls far down below danced in front one of the lights that faced the front of the castle, casting massive shadows on the wall beneath our feet. Down in the city below fireworks were going off in the town square. It’s one of my favorite memories of all time.

What’s your favorite color?

Sage green! That color always reminds me of days spent wandering the desert in Utah and the dry back country of Southern California.

Who is your biggest hero?

My grandfather. He was one of those larger-than-life people that you never forget. He was a force for good during the civil rights movement in the Mississippi Delta where he chose to work as a guidance counselor at one of the first integrated schools. He was also a big dare-devil: he once flew a plane underneath a bridge that crossed the Mississippi River. But above all else he was a friend to everyone he met. He made everyone feel noticed and appreciated, and he refused to let life’s hardships define his attitude. I could write about him all day. He was and always will be my biggest hero. If you still have your grandparents, spend all the time with them you can.

Henry O. Head is a Missouri-based photographer who works around the world. To see more of his work, you can check out his website henryohead.com or follow his work on Instagram @henryohead.

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