Hello good people! I have some very exciting new interviews to share this month in continuation of local artist/designer spotlights. Tonight, it’s my privilege to introduce local photographer Dave Hamann from Colorado Springs, CO.
Take a look at our interview together and feel free check at more of his work from the links below.
Interview
1. Tell us a little about yourself and how did you get into photography?
Like many photographers, my interest in photography started when I was young. My grandfather was an amateur photographer who seemed always attached to a camera. He bought me my first camera, a Pentax ME SE Super. From there, my desire to capture great photos and master this new craft blossomed and I quickly found myself devouring the photographic series by Ansel Adams, The Camera, The Negative, and The Print. Invaluable reading for the novice photographer.
2. When did you start freelancing and how do you like it compared to industry work?
I started freelancing soon after graduating college. Initially I began as a food photographer for local chefs. I loved it! I love a good still life and food photography is about as complex and challenging as they come. I turned nearly full time art photography when we moved to Colorado. The landscape draws you in!
3. Walk us through a typical day.
A typical day is unfortunately not very exciting! If the weather is cooperative, by that I mean moody and brooding with great clouds and the hint of a threatening storm, I will grab the camera and head outdoors (kids and wife permitting!). Otherwise, I’m in the studio arranging some awesome looking vegetables or fruits I found on a run to the grocery store in some vain attempt to emulate the still life style of the old Dutch Masters!
4. Describe your style/aesthetic and where do you draw your inspiration?
Landscapes I’m 98% black and white. I come from a black and white wet darkroom tradition and still believe that the absence of color in an image makes the viewer “see” the scene. We see color all the time and removing that reference makes one rely on the line, texture, shape, and tones of an image – makes one “see”. For my still life work I’m all “Dutch Master”, XVII century still life. I am also a fan of photographer Paulette Tavormina’s work.
5. What are some of your favorite pastimes?
I love photography. If I could, I’d love to hike into the backcountry for two or three months somewhere in Montana or Idaho, or even here in Colorado and just photograph! That being said, I do like cooking and watching cartoons with the kids!
Thanks again!
Photo credits: Dave Hamann.
