Interviews

Greg Gorman’s Highly Acclaimed Art of Photography is Perfectly Produced By Epson

©Greg Gorman: "Tony BentOver"

©Greg Gorman: “Tony BentOver”

For over four decades, highly acclaimed photographer Greg Gorman has continued to master the art of photography. From personality portraits and advertising campaigns to magazine layouts and fine art work, Greg has developed and showcased a discriminating and unique style in his profession.

I met Greg Gorman after his 2.5 hour keynote address at the Profusion 2012 Pro Imaging Expo in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In his address, Greg discussed his Portraiture, Celebrity and Nude photography as well as his ever-growing bibliography of photography books.

©Greg Gorman: "Grace Jones"

©Greg Gorman: “Grace Jones”

Greg’s work documents that peculiar obsession of the 20th century –  celebrity. The roster of celebrities he has captured reads like a Who’s Who of Hollywood and the recording industry. He has lectured and conducted seminars and workshops throughout the world.

Timeless. His photography is timeless and not confined to has-beens, hot properties, and wannabes. Each shot gives a picture of human nature in its infinite range. Each picture is also a testament to the individual character.

“For me a photograph is most successful when it doesn’t answer all the questions, and it leaves something to be desired.”

©Greg Gorman: "David Bowie"

©Greg Gorman: “David Bowie”

Born in 1949 in Kansas City, Missouri, Greg attended the University of Kansas from 1967-69 with a major in photojournalism. He completed his studies at the University of Southern California in 1972, graduating with a Master of Fine Arts degree in cinematography.

At the Epson booth in the Profusion 2012 Pro Imaging Expo on Tuesday, June 19, I had the pleasure of talking with acclaimed photographer Greg Gorman.

Here is my interview with Greg Gorman:

Photoxels (P): How long have you been interested in photography? And how did you started?
Greg Gorman (G): I have been taking pictures since 1968. I borrowed a friend’s camera to shoot Jimmy Hendix concert study.

P: How would you categorize  yourself as a photographer?
G: As a Personality Photographer, I am known for my stark black-and-white portraiture and figure studies.

P: What do you like to photograph the most?
G: I basically always focused on photographing people.

P: What is the inspiration for your photos?
G: The inspiration for my photos are the people I photographed.

P: Are your pictures planned in advance? Do you have a set agenda even before you arrive on site?
G: Generally, I have a concept of what I want to achieve, but I like to see how photo sessions unfold and be open to the spontaneous moments.

P: How do you keep your photography fresh?
G:  I keep my photography fresh by experimenting and trying new things along with a change in environment, camera gear and lighting.

P: How much post-processing do you do to produce your final images?
G: That is really dependent on what the assignment is and what the ultimate use of images will be. My personal work does not involve a lot of post-processing. I stay pretty true to my captures.

P: Any advice for young people interested in photography today?
G: Develop your own unique and discriminating style, and stay true to your heart.

P: What type of printing technology do you use to produce your art of photography and vision with fidelity and without compromise?
G: I mostly work with Epson Stylus Pro 9900 and 7900 printers, Epson Stylus Pro 4900 printer, and Epson Stylus Pro 3880 printer because they do an extraordinary job in the advanced black-and-white mode and the consistency between all four printers using the appropriately assigned profiles really helps deliver the ultimate image on paper as a work of Fine Art.

P: Thank you Greg for sharing your insights with our readers.

Epson Canada Limited provides the latest technological achievements in professional photographic imaging for Commercial and Fine Art Photography in the following manner:

“Allow your vision to come alive, just as you saw it through the lens. From subtle gradations to rich colours to breathtaking black-and-white images, Epson technology puts professional-level photographic prints at your fingertips.”