Photographer Daniel Milnor is my guest on episode 11 of the Folio Podcast. For many years I’ve enjoyed following Daniel’s work and his blog (not only for his images, but also for his thoughtful written content)…so it was especially exciting for me to have him on the show. We talk about a range of topics, including Daniel’s photographic journeys, his diversification of work, the state of the photographic “industry,” photo book publishing, and more. Evident throughout our conversation are the many ways in which Daniel lives an artful and creative life.
Daniel’s wide range of work includes unique and original photo books, exhibitions, personal and commercial documentary & travel projects, fine art & portraiture. He has taught at Art Center College of Design, the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops, Julia Dean Workshops and just recently returned from teaching a workshop in Peru. He is a member of the Advisory Board at Blurb, a print on demand book publishing company, and he splits his time between Southern California and New Mexico.
In his own words, “he is happiest with his notebook, Leica camera and trusty leather boots, sizing up whatever situation is happening in front of him.” Does it get any better than that? Click below and join me for a conversation with Daniel (and, be sure to leave a comment/feedback/additional questions for Daniel here on the blog).
I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to be introduced to John Anderson’s body of work earlier this year. Following our conversation in January (on the Folio Podcast), I’ve been inspired to dig deeper into John’s work, and have really enjoyed following along on his creative journey. John was recently here in California, and created this remarkable image.
Thank you John for taking us Inside the Image.
John Anderson: “Without thinking about it, I took my camera off the tripod and opened up the aperture enough to stop motion at around a 350th of second. Then I just stood there a moment wondering why I had done that. That’s when I saw it. A set of enormous waves swiftly closing in on me – they were easily twice the size of any other waves I had seen that day – or any day for that matter.
“I barely had time to think…uh…this could be bad…when the first one hit. The sound was incredible and the splash wave shot straight up in air mingling with the clouds in a solemn display of lethal horror. I stated photographing; clicking my sophisticated legend of a camera like a point and shoot. Someone was laughing maniacally – turns out it was me – when the terrifying volume of water dropped harmlessly into the chasm at my feet – leaving the shelf of rock I was standing on completely dry.
“I didn’t have time to marvel at being alive – more big waves were pounding into the air and I kept shooting them. I took a lot of photographs in short period of time but it was that first wave that captured my emotions. If chance favors the prepared mind, it absolutely adores the stupidly lucky.”
I’m thrilled about this episode featuring a conversation with fine art photographer Kim Weston.Kim has been a personal inspiration since I had the opportunity to first meet him at one of his workshops nearly 6 years ago.I’ve since attended additional workshops of his, and have grown a great deal (both personally and professionally) as a direct result of Kim’s teachings and influence.
Kim has been a fine art photographer for over 30 years specializing in large format photography and the human figure, and is a third-generation member of one of the most important and creative families in the history of fine art photography (Kim learned his craft alongside his Father Cole and his Uncle Brett, and assisted in the darkroom making gallery prints from his Grandfather Edward’s original negatives).
Famous last name aside, Kim has created a very important and valuable body of work over the years, and as you’ll learn in this episode, he is continually evolving and growing as a visual artist. Perhaps most inspiring about Kim is his genuine artful life.Kim has said that his life is his art, and this is clearly evident in his thoughtfulness, his lifestyle and the unique ways in which he sees and experiences the world around him. Kim and his wonderful wife Gina generously share their passion, energy and artistic vision with workshop participants throughout the year.In addition, they run a unique scholarship program in the spirit of celebrating the roots of photographic history and keeping the traditional process of the black and white photographic medium alive.
Kim and I address many topics in our conversation, with a great deal of discussion about the complete process of photography, and the nuances of living an artful life.Also evident throughout our conversation is Kim’s passion and commitment to his family, along with his genuine interest in maintaining the value and integrity of fine art photography, and giving back to the community through continual teaching and workshops.
I am honored to have Kim as a guest, and I encourage all of you to visit his website and follow along on his journey through his blog.You can also find links to Kim and Gina’s scholarship, workshops and other events on his website.
Join me now for an inspiring conversation with Kim Weston.
This film, created and produced by Ron Dawson of Dare Dreamer Media, perfectly captures the emotion and creative energy of PartnerCon 2009, New Orleans. It is such an honor both serve, and be a part of, this amazing community of professional photographers/artists and friends.
I’m really excited about this first episode of the new year, featuring a conversation with landscape photographer John Anderson. And, joining John in our interview is film-maker Mark Corliss.
I discovered John’s work through a series of poignant films produced by Mark which provide a comprehensive exploration of John’s creative journey in an authentic and really inspiring, deeply personal format.
John worked with Ansel Adams in the past, and shares stories about these experiences, along with details about his photography background, his body of work and the influence of the natural world on his craft and lifestyle. We explore a wide range of topics, including the traditions and nuances of the landscape photography marketplace, the grandeur and beauty of light, and John’s experience with transitioning from 4×5 film to the digital realm.
John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 6 years ago, and throughout our conversation you will witness how he has used this physical challenge to transform his life in a positive way – providing him unique opportunities for increased creative energy, companionship and artistic success.
One of my favorite things about producing the Folio Podcastis hearing directly from photographers about the behind-the-scenes stories and inspirations related to their work. Many times a favorite image will take on a whole new level of value and meaning to me once I know more from the artist about how and why it was created.
I’ve decided to reach out to photographers I admire and showcase their work here on the blog, along with the story about the making of the image in the photographer’s own words.
Kicking off the series is an image created by Sydney-based photographer Steve Coleman. I’m inspired by Steve on many levels — including his thoughtful and passionate approach to photography, and his appreciation of the natural world. In addition, Steve generously shares his branding and design expertise with the creative community through his column on the Livebooks blog, and via his Facebook page.
Thank you Steve for agreeing to participate, and for sharing with us the story behind the making of this wonderful image.
Steve Coleman: “I don’t think I have a favourite image. My liking for my photographs seems to change with my mood. Often how I feel about a picture has a lot to do with the circumstances around which I shot the image. This picture of the red sky over the Sydney’s Opera House almost did not happen, and in the process taught me an important lesson about landscape photography. For this reason I’m particularly proud of this photograph.
“I had been waiting almost an hour and a half before I took this shot. It was a wet, dark, grey, gloomy, depressing morning. No interesting light. No drama in the sky. A nothing kind of morning. I had just packed up all my camera gear and was about to leave. Suddenly the sun broke through a small break in the clouds. The sky lit up for no more than 45 seconds. It took me about 30 seconds to open the tripod, mount my Mamiya 7 camera, guess at the exposure and dial it in. I hand held a split ND filter to take the edge off the light. I had time for two exposures and then the light was gone. Back to gloom. This image taught me to be patient, watch and be prepared. I am thankful for this experience.”