Pushing The Boundaries

After viewing the thought-provoking documentary "Half Past Autumn," my initial inclination to harbor disdain towards wedding photographers was challenged. Surprisingly, I discovered that Gordon Parks, the subject of the film, possessed such an endearing and intelligent demeanor that it became nearly impossible for me to despise him.

In retrospect, my time working with John Kellar and witnessing his innovative use of both medium format and 35 mm cameras was a pivotal moment in my own journey as a photographer. It taught me the importance of experimentation, pushing boundaries, and never being afraid to challenge the status quo. I will forever be grateful for the invaluable lessons I learned during those wedding shoots, and the inspiration that they continue to provide me in my own photographic endeavors.

Several years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside John Kellar, a talented photographer who specialized in capturing beautiful moments at weddings. It was during this time that I also became aware of another renowned photographer named Denis Reggie, who focused on shooting corporate events. While assisting John, I was fortunate enough to witness his unique approach to photography, utilizing not just his trusty medium format camera, but also his 35 mm camera. This revelation sparked a curiosity within me, prompting me to delve deeper into the world of photography and explore the endless possibilities that different cameras and techniques could offer. It made me realize that sometimes, stepping outside of the norm and embracing unconventional methods could lead to exceptional and extraordinary results. This experience opened my eyes to the endless possibilities that existed within the realm of photography. It made me realize that there was no one-size-fits-all approach to capturing those special moments, and that different cameras could yield different results. John's ability to seamlessly switch between his medium format and 35 mm cameras showcased his versatility and adaptability as a photographer.

Being able to witness these captivating shots taken with the 35 mm camera, I started to appreciate the spontaneity and authenticity that it brought to the wedding photographs. It was as if every click of the shutter captured the raw emotions and genuine expressions of the couples as they exchanged their vows. The 35 mm camera allowed John to effortlessly blend into the background, capturing candid moments without intruding on the intimacy of the occasion. At first, I couldn't quite comprehend the purpose behind using a 35 mm camera, especially when most top-notch photographers favored the medium format cameras for their high-quality images. However, John, with his innovative and genre-bending style, was able to create remarkable and spontaneous shots of the wedding ceremonies using his 35 mm camera.

I have been a favorite photographer for many wedding photographers, having worked on numerous weddings and Mitzvahs. At one point, I was shooting up to three events per week, using my Bronica and Canon EOS 3 cameras to capture stunning images. Over time, the studios transitioned to digital Canon cameras, but my work continued to impress both colleagues and clients. My charisma and ability to connect with people set me apart in the industry.

In the mid-90s, I experienced a phenomenon that was not a coincidence. I developed a unique form of artistic expression that didn't fit neatly into traditional categories like photojournalism, portraiture, or documentary. However, it was in 2002 when I launched my company, ajourney, that I truly found my niche. Through this venture, I was able to merge all of these genres and create work that brought me immense fulfillment.

I am a skilled artist who excels at merging various photographic techniques with profound philosophical concepts, drawing inspiration from the works of the legendary Gordon Parks, a true artistic visionary. However, it is important to note that I do not consider myself a traditional photographer in the strictest sense. I have a strong aversion to the ways in which some individuals have watered down the art of photography, particularly those who claim to be "photojournalists" but are more accurately described as artists. Despite this, I believe that my photography serves as a gateway into the world of visual storytelling. You may come across my work on my website, and you might wonder why it stands out from other photography you have seen before.

I have dedicated time to studying and learning from renowned photographers like Gordon Parks, hoping to replicate their styles. However, after years of attempting to mimic their work, I have finally found my own unique style, which I like to call Portraitjournalism, although it doesn't have an official name. My photography is a reflection of my artistic expression and personal journey. It represents the countless years I have spent capturing not only weddings and Mitzvahs, but also a wide range of subjects, including numerous self-portraits that I have co-created. Art is a medium through which individuals can unleash their creativity, allowing for the development of unique and innovative ideas. This creative process is not something that happens overnight, but rather requires years of dedicated practice, perseverance, patience, and unwavering commitment. As one immerses oneself in the world of art, particularly in the realm of photography, one begins to form an inseparable bond with the camera, as our technical expertise becomes second nature.

In this sense, photography serves as a language through which I am able to communicate and express my deepest emotions and passions. Every photograph I capture tells a story, conveying my unwavering love for the art of capturing the essence of what I see and transforming it into a tangible form. Each click of the camera serves as a brushstroke, painting a vivid picture of my unique perspective. By means of my unique personal style, I possess the ability to make an indelible mark on society, imparting my own story and establishing a profound legacy that will be eternally etched in the annals of history. In the same manner as we ponder over the profound influence of Gordon's artistic endeavors, particularly in the realm of photography, we cannot help but engage in introspection regarding the enduring effect his co-creations have had over the passage of time.