About
Have cameras, will photograph.
I am the owner of several fine cameras that are used on a regular basis. I currently reside in St.Paul, MN where I am trying to figure out my next photography project as well as completing several ongoing ones. Prior to landing in this fine midwestern city, I lived in Rochester, New York where I received my MFA in photography from the Visual Studies Workshop.
I am glad that I decided to pursue an MFA at Visual Studies Workshop, it made me realize what an exceptionally strange, ambiguous and rich medium photography really is.
That being said, I get somewhat flustered when I am asked what I take pictures of. It’s a fair,but tricky question to answer. I will give it a try anyhow.
I like to work on projects. Meaning that I explore a theme over a longer period of time, usually with the goal of making a photo-book. The photo-book format appeals to me, I like the process pairing images together in a page spread. Ideas for these projects can come at anytime or anywhere. Sometimes other photographers work will be a source of inspiration that leads to ideas. Projects is fun, tricky and visually challenging.
Other than that, I have had the rather dubious pleasure of being photographer Robert Polidori’s driver in rural North Dakota for one day. Polidori, being the tremendously gifted photographer that he is, was commissioned by the North Dakota Museum of Art to document what was left behind in a state that struggles with outmigration.
Since Polidori does not drive, I was approached by the Museum director to be his driver. Long story short, I got fired at the end of the day, or perhaps I should say Polidori “asked for another driver”.
I think it had something to do with the fact that I knew next to nothing about the geography of that state. Polidori, I believe, expected me to find visually interesting places so that he could photograph them. I might add that my driving was impeccable nonetheless.
On another note, I might add that my interest in photography is broad and extensive. I enjoy looking at work done by the ”greats” of photographic history. Names like Weston, Saldago, Penn, Kertez, Sudek, Mapplethorpe are a continuous source of inspiration.
That said, over the years I have developed a keen interest in vernacular or what is usually referred to as amateur photography.
It could be argued that vernacular photography serves a distinctly different purpose than what is referred to as “Fine Art”, and that is one of the reasons why I find it so interesting. There is something about the “amateur’s” approach to photography and how it is used that fascinates me.
Another element is the subject matter which seems remarkably predictable. No matter which family album you browse through, the same pictures seem to dominate; vacations, Christmas, birthdays, pets, weddings, get-togethers and lots of kids with red eyes.
I think Magnum photographer Martin Parr summed it up best: ”Most family photo albums are a form of propaganda, where the family looks perfect and everyone is smiling: we try to create fabrications about who we are”
Well put.