May 28, 2008
10 Questions for Jody Schwartz: Understanding a Photographer
You have the unique ability to sway people's perceptions. What do you hope they see through your photography? I hope through my photographs of El Paso, especially in my recent postcard series, Images of El Paso, that the viewer will become more aware of the unique beauty and flavor of our border city and surrounding region.
Our city has so much to offer! So many El Pasoans don't seem to realize that they are living in a most unique and vibrant city that offers something different and exciting for everyone.
The digital age is well upon us, a time when cameras are in the hands of almost everyone. How do you think this changes the art of photography? Since a photographic image can now be totally manipulated and changed on a computer, the art of photography is often created on the computer. I am not suggesting that this is a bad thing. It certainly opens up a whole new world of possibilities to photographers. To a much lesser degree,darkrooms were and are still used to enhance a photograph, but nothing on the scale of what computers can do correct mistakes and alter an image. Before digital cameras, photographs taken with film cameras (particularly using very unforgiving transparency film) were pretty much the finished product. You got it or you didn't! More importantly, there is no instant gratification with a traditional film camera as there is with a digital camera. Now photographers can review an image on the camera's LCD screen instantly and try again if it missed the mark.With transparency film in particular,the exposure has to be "right on" or the photograph fails.Using film makes the experience of photographing more of a challenge, in my opinion.
Out of necessity, I have recently purchased a 35 mm digital camera. I am grateful to and still prefer my traditional cameras, which gave me a strong foundation in photography.
Many regard you as an icon of El Paso photography. What is the best advice you could offer a budding photographer? Take entry level photography classes at UTEP or the El Paso Community College to learn the basics of photography (f-stops,composition,etc.), join a camera club where you will receive inspiration, knowledge and encouragement. When you have an opportunity in EL Paso or while traveling,visit museums with photography exhibits. More specifically, try to compose your image on the spot and not on the computer cleaning up the image. Do your creative work with your camera in hand deleting unwanted objects by positioning yourself correctly,using a zoom lens,etc.
Why should photography be considered art? Good photography elicits emotional reactions from the viewer as does a powerful painting, sculpture or any work of art. All art forms are made from the creative spirit of an artistic person.
So much of this world since the days of Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson has been photographed. What's left? These and other great photographers, serving as our mentors, can inspire serious photographers today to find their own nitch and be very successful. There is always a demand for good photography. For instance, my daughter, Laurie Smith, is a professional food photographer, always using natural light. She has photographed more than 25 beautiful cookbooks nationally and is highly regarded in her field.
As a teenager, she was determined to make her career in photography and has achieved her dream with hard work and determination. Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson were the beginning, not the end, of modern photography.
What are your most favorite subjects to photograph? Children. I recently retired as a photographer of children and families, using natural lighting in environmental settings. It has been a very rewarding 25 years. I also love to take photographs of El Paso that depict our wonderful border character. Traveling always inspires me to find that perfect photograph!
When did you first become interested in the art of photography and how have you changed/grown as a photographer over time? A friend loaned me her camera and gave me my first lesson in composition when I was a teenager and I have loved photography from that moment on. I'll never forget. It was a clothesline with colorful garments flapping in the wind outside the castle walls of Gruyere, Switzerland. I have never had any formal training, but have learned along the way taking workshops, darkroom classes,etc. My first class was with Brian Kanof at the YWCA on Brown Street when I was in my late thirties and the mother of three teenage children.
As my work has evolved, I know what I consider my best photographs and what I look for always on trips and around the border metroplex. Composition must be simple, the light glowing or unusual and a captured moment in time- lost in a second.It is hard to achieve, but I never stop trying.
Which photographers/artists inspire you most? How? Henry Cartier-Bresson and Manual Carrillo, an outstanding Mexican photographer who was also my friend. The photography of both artists have the three qualities I admire and am always striving to achieve. Bea Bragg, who recently died at age 95, was my mentor. She inspired and encouraged me to become a child photographer-following in her footsteps.
You've lived all over the world. Why El Paso? I moved with my family 17 times as a proud Army Brat until I met and married my husband, Jonathan and moved permanently to El Paso. My mother, Joey Leavell Polk, was born and raised here. Wherever we were stationed, when asked where I was from, my answer was proudly El Paso,Texas. We often visited my grandmother between stations and lived with her during WWII and the Korean War.
I can truthfully say that El Paso is my favorite place on earth. Why? I love the authenticity and flavor of this dynamic border city, the friendliness of the people, the light and warmth of endless sunny days, the dramatic skies-especially at sunset, our rich 400-plus year history, ruggedly beautiful Mt. Franklin that our city surrounds and chiles-to cook and photograph! I could go on and on.
If you had one wish for El Paso what would it be? A re-vitalized downtown that will be again the hub of our great city-the downtown I remember a child. With the visionary leadership of El Paso citizens and our Mayor and City Council, I am happy to see that this rennaissance is beginning to happen.
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Mark Paulda sat down with photographer Jody Schwartz for a photo shoot and a Q&A. Paulda is a world-renowned photographer and former event planner. Visit www.markpaulda.com to see his current work.
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Editor's Note: This article was originally published in the April 2008 issue of El Paso Magazine. To purchase an archive copy of this issue, please visit our subscription page.