Biography and Statement

My black and white photographs have been inspired by both Berenice Abbott and Ansel Adams. Whether it’s documenting a place or object, I strive to convey a mood and a sense of timelessness. I want to draw the viewer into these images and get lost in thought. I live in New York, and the City continues to provide much inspiration for me. It is also made to be photographed in black and white.

In my new series of colorful Abstract images, I strive to see beyond what everyone else sees as evident. It’s the “photographer’s eye,” my eye. These photographs are parts of buildings, railroad trestles, and playground graphics. So that I never take myself too seriously, I enjoy shooting ‘Fire Hydrants as Art’. I have taken photographs of these from around the United States and marvel at their unique settings and shapes. As with both my abstracts and fire hydrants, vibrant colors are what interest me. I do not manipulate any of these, they are as I have found and seen them.

My passion for photography began more than thirty years ago. Although primarily self-taught, I have studied various styles and techniques of photography. I work primarily in 35mm format in black and white and color and occasionally with digital imaging. I have attended various classes at The New School for Social Research, the School of Visual Arts, and the Camera Club of New York. While I have studied studio lighting, my preference is in the challenge of ambient lighting. Although I am drawn to traditional subjects, I look to find what is unique about an object.

After a long career in the business world in management and sales, I began devoting my full attention to fine art photography in 2005. In 2004 and 2005 I appeared in solo and group juried shows in New York and Connecticut. In 2006 I participated in ten juried fine art and craft festivals in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

 
Copyright © 2007 Art Herman Photography