I have been photographing animals, landscapes and world cultures for over 30 years and even today I continue to travel over 9 months a year. In that time, I have created over 60 books and even a TV show, "Travels to the Edge", that airs on PBS stations in the US and over 60 countries around the world.
While I may be best known for my nature photography, classic images of animals, birds, and landscapes, I have spent much of my career photographing cultures around the world many of which are no longer around today having changed with western influences and encroachment. As most artists will eventually, I have also focused more and more on abstract compositions, patterns of color and texture. With over 30 years of shooting, I have well over 1 million images in my archives, most in slide form still today.
I continue to live in West Seattle, Washington, not far from where I was born. I have been in love with nature, the outdoors, the flora and fauna alike ever since I was a child growing up in the woods and ravines near my home. My parents were artists, wedding photographers actually, and while you might say I have followed in their footsteps, wedding photography is the one area I've never touched. They gave me a love for the arts and supported my notion of supporting myself through my art and for that I am very grateful.
I originally saw myself as a painter and received my degree in fine arts from the University of Washington though I never took a class in photography. I am entirely self taught when it comes to photography. It was a natural transition in my 20s when I was invited to join the first US team to attempt Mt. Everest through Tibet. I continue to enjoy painting though it has been my photography that has supported me over the years.
While I certainly follow the contemporary photographers of today and have a library filled with their work, I draw much of my inspiration from the masters to modern painters. I study their work, learning from them what makes a successful painting as the same elements will be found in successful photographs as well. Today I see scenes in the world around me that remind me of a pointillist painting, a Jackson Pollock, Matisse... I am making images today that I never would have seen earlier in my career with this inspiration in mind.
In my workshops, I take people through images from painters over the centuries showing them images I have created from their inspiration. For the art of photography to move forward we must constantly challenge ourselves to change the way we look at the world around us.
When I lead tours, there are a few fundamental challenges I ask people to think about... The most important is to really work their subject. Think about different angles, point of view, lens choices. Too many people will simply walk up to a subject and shoot it with whatever lens they happen to have on their camera at the time. Take time to get to know your subject and see it from all sides, above and below, before you just dive in and begin shooting as you saw it when you first approached it. More will be revealed to you and your photography will be the better for it.
Lastly while we all lust for the latest and greatest gear just using a good sturdy tripod, mirror lock up and a cable release will likely do more to improve your photographs than anything else.
Featured Photographer Facts
What/Who got Wolfe into photography?
What/Who got Wolfe into photography?
His parents were wedding photographers who taught Wolfe a love of art and encouraged the idea that you can support yourself following your dreams.
How did Wolfe learn photography?
self-taught
Favorite photographic subjects?
animals, landscapes and world cultures
Where does Wolfe find inspiration?
"While I certainly follow the contemporary photographers of today and have a library filled with their work I draw much of my inspiration from the masters to modern painters. I study their work, learning from them what makes a successful painting as the same elements will be found in successful photographs as well."
Which artists and photographers have influenced Wolfe?
Jackson Pollock and Henri Matisse
Advice for other photographers?
"Using a good sturdy tripod, mirror lock up and a cable release will likely do more to improve your photographs than anything else."
Make sure you check out Art Wolfe's work at:
http://www.artwolfe.com
Take some time this week to go to Art Wolfe's Facebook Fan Club page, "LIKE" the page and you will be treated during the week to pictures from his recent trips and the occasional challenge to guess where a picture was taken.
*Thank you to Art Wolfe for taking time during your recent trip to Alaska to share your story and wisdom with us. Special thanks to Bill Edwards for passing on the interview questions for me and for writing up the response.*
