What inspired you to start taking photographs, and what is the primary inspiration for you to keep working in this field.
TW
This is the first part of a Pablo Neruda poem. I’ll let his words speak for me.
Poetry
And it was at that age ... Poetry arrived
in search of me. I don't know, I don't know where
it came from, from winter or a river.
I don't know how or when,
no they were not voices, they were not
words, nor silence,
but from a street I was summoned,
from the branches of night,
abruptly from the others,
among violent fires
or returning alone,
there I was without a face
and it touched me.
MW
In your opinion and experience, how can emerging photographers evaluate themselves as ready to start promoting their works and seek broader exposure for their photographs? What is one vital action you would recommend photographers undertake to find their audience, be included in exhibitions, and gain professional representation?
TW
Look at one’s own work honestly and without the seduction of having been its creator. It’s also extremely helpful to know the field, including painting, sculpture, mixed media, etc.
When the work is ready, a medium that reaches the most eyes is vital. Books can do this. A well conceived, published, and distributed book, showing strong, vital work, can change an artist’s career into before and after.
MW
How did it come about that you achieved the status of successful, professional photographer? What steps were involved in reaching your level of success?
TW
See Neruda poem above. True success, which may not be monetary, comes in finding a piece of the story, both your own and The Story, recognizing it, and translating it with unflinching conviction.
from the series Secrets
from the series Secrets
from the series Secrets
from the series Secrets
from the series Between Maple And Chestnut
from the series Between Maple And Chestnut
from the series Between Maple And Chestnut
from the series Between Maple And Chestnut© all images Terri Weifenbach
