The Inspiration Behind the Images with Michael Gilbert

Images copyright Michael Gilbert. All rights reserved.

Intro by Skip Cohen

Michael Gilbert and I go back a long way - back to the days when we were both "kids."  We met in the late 80's, and while we don't catch up very often, it's always good to see him. I love his opening line in this Tamron USA video:

"Out of all the photographers you're going to interview, I'm the most sloppy. I never look through the viewfinder. I put it in "P" for "Professional," and I press the button."

While all of that might be true - it's only on the capture side of imaging. Michael is a phenomenal printer and what he jokes about in the simplicity of his technique with a camera in his hands is just the opposite when it comes to turning his images into tangible prints. They're always stunning, limited editions, printed on some of the most beautiful papers in the world, and a key to his success as an artist.

I can't help but wonder what more photographers might see if they followed Michael's lead now and then. What would happen if you just didn't worry about your technique in capture, but just let your mind run free with whatever was around you?

One caution though... A mutual friend Michael and I shared was the legendary Don Blair. Don used to say, "You're only allowed to break the rules if you know them!" Michael learned all the rules years ago and his technique of simplicity and learning to capture what's in his mind's eye is a well-practiced and perfected skill set.

Michael's obviously shooting with Tamron lenses. Tamron is manufacturing some of the finest glass in photography and it's well worth your time to visit a Tamron dealer. There are also three major events coming up this month: a macro workshop at Unique Camera in NJ with Image Master, Mike Moats; the Festival of Flowers in Mobile, AL at Calagaz Photo with Erica Robinson, and a portrait seminar with Andre Costantini in Brick, NJ at The Photo Center. Click on the "Local Events" banner on the right for more information.

Tamron doesn't just build great lenses - their educational efforts all year long are helping to build better photographers!

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