My photographic experience in a nutshell; decades behind a
camera, countless hours on photo shoots across the country. Endless nights spent
in the laboratory mixing chemicals, processing film and prints to make
unrealistic deadlines. Short notice
trips to third world countries documenting incidents and activities best
forgotten. From public relations to portrait
to plane crash, the gamut of my assignments still boggles my mind.
I was a shooter, a writer, a teacher, a multimedia media
producer, graphics guru, crime scene investigator and fingerprint expert. From
film to video, analog to digital my life behind the lens has been a whirlwind
of events, from gala high society gatherings to vicariously participating in the joys and suffering of people
of all walks of life, a witness to the creation and the destruction of life. I documented the activities of mankind
in peacetime and in war with all the best equipment and an unlimited budget. The
price tag for looking through the lens was costly. Over time I learned enough about
mankind to facilitate my withdrawal from society and complete abstinence from
anything which could be construed as photographic. I had seen enough, had enough of society. For a time I just wrote,
attempting to educate people about what I had experienced but they thought me
quite mad. Perhaps they were correct in thinking so.
I on the other hand was
convinced that it was just the opposite. Society had its issues. It was not just
me.
I had grown up in a lab. My parents were photographers. Somehow
through a twist of fate (and to avoid another tour in Vietnam) I too evolved
into a photographer. Unlike my parents who ran a traditional studio, I would
take a path which led to the dark side of photography which almost destroyed me.
But ultimately, taught me more about the real world of photography than I ever suspected
or cared to know about. Working for a wide variety of state and federal agencies I covered assignments that many would consider very desirable, some would even say they were cool. Those with any insight at all simply asked how I cold stand to do such disgusting work. In hindsight I wonder. Over the years those torturous experiences have served me
well. I hope that somehow I can share
some of that insight gleaned with you to make you a better shooter or at
minimum to help you in accomplish what you need to do
photographically for your NGO
or nonprofit to succeed without spending a fortune.
It’s a switch turning from the really ugly side of life
which truly can’t be presented here publicly in any fashion. To look for the fleeting moments of life which pass by so quickly that oft times they are
completely missed.To be content in the knowing that somewhere is an image, which if captured
correctly will provide inspiration to the viewer to get involved or donate the necessary funds and assistance to a charitable organization which results in comfort and solace being provided to a tortured soul somewhere.
To that end, I have returned to one of segment of my
photographic experience which was free of pain and truly enjoyable even though
at time the topic or the subject matter was sad in some respect. That genre of
photography which is commonly referred to as photojournalism the fine art of
mixing words with pictures to make a point. Pictures that to be taken require
the ability to be empathic and compassionate along with the technical expertise
to get the job done right the first time.
It may take some time to achieve this goal. Learning to blog at 62 is a challenge. But this medium affords the opportunity to communicate for free and free is what this is all about as you will see and understand as time passes. Bear with me as this little corner of the universe comes together.
