Frank Caraccia makes move from music to photography
University of Rhode Island alum Frank Caraccia shares his post-collegiate story from being a musician on tour to selling prints from his camera. PHOTO CREDIT: Frank Caraccia
University of Rhode Island alumnus Frank Caraccia is a veteran of the music industry who is headed towards a ‘picture-perfect’ new career.
While attending URI, Caraccia’s main goal was to obtain a degree in any field. He admittedly was unsure of what path was right for him. In the end, he chose to become a consumer affairs major, which covered a broad scope of his interests.
“I was under the guidance that what you’re supposed to do after you leave high school was go to college, but I was kind of always spinning my wheels and really figuring out what I wanted to do,” he said.
Caraccia graduated from URI and started a landscaping and construction company as his first job out of college. It was not until he was in his thirties when Caraccia discovered new passions for music and travel.
Moving to California on a whim, Caraccia decided to take a chance on an up-and-coming band called “Slightly Stoopid.” From there, the pieces began falling into place.
Caraccia started his nearly 20 year music career in 2002 as a guitar technician on the west coast. He gradually moved up the ranks, taking a post as a stage manager and working with some big names.
“I went on tour to Australia, Japan and Europe multiple times, and really worked doing full tours with people like Jack Johnson and the Marley Brothers,” he said. “That was something I never thought would ever happen.”
Along the way, Caraccia used photography to document his travels and unique experiences. He picked up a disposable camera and found a knack for capturing landscape and nautical scenes during his travels.
By 2017, he was purchasing professional-grade camera equipment and learning about the craft of photography through Youtube videos and guide books.
“My philosophy was that I would just go out and try to make something happen wherever I was at,” Caraccia said. “I would just walk off the bus with my camera and start taking pictures.”
What once was a hobby has now turned into a thriving career. Caraccia is now selling prints of his scenic photography on an HD metal medium online and at local art festivals.
While his sales have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Caraccia remains optimistic as new opportunities to sell his work begin popping up again.
Caraccia said that he is grateful for his current success, as well as his past adventures as a self-made business owner and a touring music technician.
“It’s definitely been an interesting ride,” he said. “Now I’m 52, and hopefully this photography take-off can become something that I can keep moving.”
To support Caraccia’s photography endeavors, visit his website at https://www.bigskrimpinfoto.com, or visit him at the Providence Art Marketplace this fall.