VOYAGE LA: INTERVIEW
John, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was introduced to Photography by my uncle who gave me a copy of “The Americans” by Robert Frank. I became entranced my image makers and street photography. This passion led me to studying film and photography at the University of Wisconsin. After college, I was hired by a company that supplied motion picture equipment for films and commercials. I established many great relationships with different professionals in the film industry which led to me working on my first Motion picture. I started as the film loader on an Andy Davis film called “Chain Reaction” starring Morgan Freeman and Keanu Reeves. I worked my way through every position in the camera department on many films and commercials and learned many things from legends in the business. I feel photography and Motion pictures are siblings. It was of great benefit to start with Photography. To Learn Composition. Learn lighting. Learn Patience. I developed my own style of shooting which defines my work as a Cinematographer and visual artist.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a lover of light. Whether in the studio or on a mountain top light tells the story. I have trained my eye to know what message I meant to send to the viewer. Lighting should never feel forced or artificial. When someone is watching a film or commercial, it should be subliminal. Camera work and lighting should never interfere with image or story. When I am filming, I love to create an environment where the subject is free to perform not be distracted by crew or lights. The image is pure. Natural. That is when the beauty of cinematography happens.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
With the advent of digital film making the glass ceiling no longer exists. We are free to make imagery whenever and wherever we want. You are only limited by your imagination and perseverance.
