Michael, we have known you for 14 years! I know this as you photographed our daughter when she was first born. What struck me then as it does now is that you absolutely love your craft. The initial consultation, the photography, the bracketing of images - the entire process. What is it about this discipline that keeps you so motivated?
Well, I've always been a darkroom rat. I spent countless hours with my film and trays and chemicals making black and white prints. So I just love the process of creating images. I find it easy to stay motivated because every session is different and is nuanced in some way. The important thing for me during a session is making it feel like the camera disappears. In most cases that does happen as I strike up a rapport with the person in front of me. That's a special feeling.
Alright...putting you on the spot - you have photographed countless families in the area, is there one that stands out for any particular reason?
Nice try. But I cannot say that any ONE family stands out. We've had memorable moments during session (newborn peeing on a dad, for example). But we also do have families that we see over the years and it's very rewarding for us to see the children as they grow. We've been doing this long enough to have toddlers that we've photographed come back in for a high school senior portraits.
Having been a photographer for 20+ years, what can you say is the greatest lesson learned thus far?
Patience! Of course there are days when our subjects might not be in the best mood for a portrait. So we try to have a laid back approach in which there is plenty of time for even the most reluctant person to come around and present their true self to me.
What photographers (past or present) have been meaningful to you and why? Which should we take a moment and explore?
Richard Avedon--I love the simplicity of his studio portraits. George Hurrell for his dramatic images of Hollywood stars. And I own Ansel Adams' series of technical books on creating the black and white print and of course his landscapes just stop you. Bill Brandt broke a lot of "rules" with his edgy and stark portraits.
Montclair has been a geographical focus throughout your work. Why is this town so special for you?
It's such an eclectic town so we get to meet so many interesting people, which results in interesting portraits. We also love to do our part to support local organizations. The folks in town have really supported our efforts to help out the Food Pantry and animal rescue organizations.
In this world of cameras on a variety of devices, and filters to match any desired mood - how do you continue to articulate the essence of professional photography?
I think it has to do with having a specific point of view and style. I am flattered when people tell me that they can recognize our work. Because style is not an app you can download or something one can copy. It has to come from within. But we also have to provide something that one cannot do for themselves. That's why our focus continues to be well lit studio portraits.
Black and white seems to evoke quite a bit of emotion but color obviously has its purpose? How do you toggle between the two and ultimately commit to a particular direction?
We default to black and white That has always been my passion. But color does have its place and we work closely with our clients to determine the direction to take.
What advice do you provide for someone considering a career in photography?
Heed your passion. Photograph things that are meaningful to you. Seek out a mentor and look to professional organizations (PPA for example) for guidance and educational opportunities. And don't forget that you are a businessperson, too. Value yourself and your work and others will also.
Tell us something about photography that only you or a few people know.
"I'm not photogenic" is BS. There is something about everyone that is photogenic.
What is your favorite coffee or tea beverage?
Straight, strong drip with a little half and half--early and often!
