Photographers Interviewed

Hi Steve, I shall ask a few questions...OK?

FIRE AWAY!

Ahhh! I now see the whites of your eyes! So, I shall fire....What emotion do you feel when your eye catches a target and you grab for your camera?

Well it varies. If I am driving along or walking and I accidentally come across some wonderful subject my mind seems to trigger endorphins, my metabolism elevates a notch or two and I instantly become focused. Excitement would be the emotion. Sort of like a teenager on a first date. Of course, like the teenager's first date, it often turns into much about nothing. But not until I have fully explored all possibilities.

On the other hand, if I am actively engaged in a quest for a subject I feel quite differently. Sort of like the explorer expecting to find something just around the corner. In this case the emotion would be more like one of satisfaction. Like ah-ha, there it is!

Of all your photographs which subjects are most prone to stimulate you spirituality...That is, "a sort of I belong" feeling...

They all do when I take them! However, some have much more to say as the years go by. My landscapes usually grow old quickly, as do my flower pictures. I guess my abstract images and composites affect me the most. It's funny how that works. Some pictures grow old and ugly, some age like fine wine. In any case, the joy comes in the doing. And "joy" as I see it is spirituality. They are one.

Well Steve, you see in the rusted and mangled remains of old metals something worth photographing...a sort of romanticized vision of what once was...captured on film...the resulting images are a symptom of our times...the waste of discarded parts..etc..you are able to sensitize this for the viewer...what prompted your interest in the beginning of your "junk-yard" photos...?

This one makes me smile! For some reason I am strangly attracted to old cars, old trucks, old motorcycles, and old buildings. Just recently on my trip through Colorado I caught a glimpse of two old rusted cars off in a farmer's field. As I was pulling a trailer I could not stop. After setting up camp, I drove 50 miles back to where the cars were. Weird, I know. I have always received immence pleasure in photographing old metal things. They seem to have a spirit that speaks to me. Actually, when you thing about it, they are made of the same star dust that we are made of. Just missing the DNA.

The human form..Have you seen changes in your lifetime in camerizing the human form? If so, why ?

Oh absolutely. As artists we are always trying to make new discoveries. Although the Masters have paved the way and provided inspiration, most artists are always seeking new ways of expressing themselves. Of course there are a lot of failed attempts in the process. (Real success can only be built on failures.) Otherwise, you are simply using someone else's creativity. And what fun is that!

Yes, I see a lot of wonderful changes. Images that sing to me. And this web site has a lot of extraordinary examples! Really! Art is discovery. Art is joyous. Art is soul searching and soul soothing all at the same time. Can you imagine a world without it?

Do you have any advice to share with the novice...Is is difficult to make a living with the camera...? Where does the novce start?

I sure do! Do it because you love it, or don't do it. It is a lousy way to make a living unless you have lots of experience, are a great business person, and are willing to take a long time to reach the point where you can live totally from the income. Few people are willing to do this. You must find your nitch but be able to do it all. You must be exceptional at one genre but willing and capable of doing other types of photography. Greg Summers is an excellent example of what I am talking about. Although he is quite capable in landscapes, wildlife, and other areas, he excels in flower pictures. As a professional than, he would attempt to build a reputation and income from this genre. Once he is accepted as one of the nation's leading flower photographers, other assignments outside this field will follow. You can not be master of all! The competition is just too tough. Pick an area and be the best!

If you are really serious about photography as a profession, I would strongly suggest a four year degree from Brooks Institute of Photography (Santa Barbara) or Rochester Institute of Technology (New York). Not only will they make you a master of photographic technique, but they will also teach you how to make money. It's a tough world out there. Be prepared.

Your answers have been so refreshing...I have enjoyed this session very much!