Mark Goldsmith- Rikers Island- American Heroes Book

As photographers, our job is to thrive under pressure. Everything from location swaps to canceled shoots and working in tense conditions. Given the circumstances, it seems our greatest asset is to learn how to deal with these changes and accept their inevitability. 2011 saw no shortage of these kinds of situations and as I rolled with the punches that each new assignment threw me, by the end of the year it was enough to make me take a moment to reflect.

Nobody knows where their career will lead them and with photographers, the future is even more uncertain. A path I started down more than 20 years ago has changed unquestionably and the medium for making images is now easier than ever. Suddenly everyone has become a photographer and access to digital technology has ushered this change quickly into the hands of enthusiasts everywhere.

So how do you take back these tools that everyone possess? I think the trick is to share your vision in a way that nobody else can and sometimes if you’re lucky, you meet people who can help you do this. Opportunities like this are what pushed my career into new territory and I’d be foolish to forget that. Working steadily as a photographer means creative independence. Success is hard won but if you can work with the sorts of people who fight for your ability to express yourself, it’s important that you stick with them. For these reasons, I thank the many collaborators, art directors, editors, publishers and subjects who helped me in 2011. Each of these people added valuable insight into the process of making new and interesting work.

Cynthia Grace- Harlem- American Heroes Book

Charlie Plumb- Buffalo Military Park- American Heroes Book

With the year quickly drawing to a close, I sit here in my studio surrounded by hundreds of new photos that we’re busy editing for my latest project. Let me be the first to tell you that my next book will be called “American Heroes”. This project has lead me all over the country and given me the opportunity to meet more incredible people than I would have ever thought possible. With a release date slated for October of next year, “American Heroes” will profile the extraordinary “ordinary” people who have made an astonishing impact in the lives of others.

My year spent chasing after these individuals has helped me log countless hours of travel. All jet lag aside, the enormous diversity of meeting everyone from medical responders in Haiti to environmental activists reminds me of all the endless possibilities a career in photography has given me. It strongly influences my opinion that photographers are people who could never eschew a 9-5 job. We can’t because we’re not cut out to work SO little. Quite the opposite really… Being a photographer means working hard, and practically, ALL of the time. Of course, anything that you love doing is never actually work.

Having said all that, I hope you’ve enjoyed the images included with this post. What you’ve been viewing are selects from my upcoming book (but I’m guessing you already knew that). I can’t wait to share their stories with you.

Dr. David Vanderpool- Port-au-Prince, Haiti- American Heroes Book

I wish you all health, wealth and happiness in the upcoming year and remind you to keep seeing and photographing with your heart.

The rest will fall into place…………

Happy New Year!

—PM

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My images are featured in a spotlight on Adweek’s website. A collaboration between me and longtime friend/artist Mike Campau, these photos were shot on-location inside Insane Clown Posse’s Michigan studio. Green screens are an incredible resource when shooting images that need to be prepped for compositing. ICP were great sports about taking direction and helped me get the looks I needed that would later translate into compelling and unique photos with some help from Mike.

My idea dealt with inserting the guys from ICP into death-defying and memorable situations. Like super hero’s.  At one point, Mike suggested we climb to the top of one of Detroit’s tallest buildings and (carefully) shoot over the side of the roof. In fact, his exact words were something like… “If it doesn’t give you the heebie-jeebies, you’re not high enough…” He was right. With the help of building maintenance and a few steady hands, I was allowed to peak over the side with my camera while they held me in place, lest I decided to spill over the edge (the view was incredible by the way).

Durring one particularly crazy afternoon, I lead the ICP crew into a local hamburger dive and shot them eating among all the usual patrons. The looks of surprise when we walked in were surprising to say the least. Customers watched as I directed the guys to play with their food, contort their faces and generally goof off. The pictures speak for themselves!

I’ve collected a few of my favorites above but for the complete series as well as some in-process composite work, visit Adweek’s site. The entire project was a blast and I’ve just gotta thank the staff at Greene’s, Andy & Bill @ Psychopathic Records, Mike at Seventh Street, Charles, and most of all.. Joe and Joey of ICP for the chance to create something awesome. I couldn’t have done it without the help of  all these talented people.

–PM

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Two Boys down at the Lake

Sometimes you can’t stop thinking about what you want to shoot next. If you’re like me, you want an idea first. I usually don’t “just shoot”. But when your running low on creative energy, the best thing you can do is just that. “Shoot”. I’ve ended up with some marvelous pictures over the years just by “shooting”. Just like exercising, we need to keep our creative muscles strong. Try it next time you’re in a creative slump and can’t come up with an idea.

Portrait of Boy at the Lake

The picture of these boys by the lake emerged when I took my dog for a walk with my camera just to see what I might find. Walking nearby the shore, I noticed them swimming with their family. The images that follow were wonderful and unexpected. It would never have happened had I not taken that walk.

Portrait of Boy at the Lake

After I explained to them that i was a professional photographer, I asked their mother if they would pose for me. These pictures show reality as it occurred that day and suggests some spontaneity was at work during the shoot. There’s nothing better!

Now go out and just “SHOOT”. There’s potential behind every corner.

—PM

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Gilbert Gottfried as a Contact Sheet | ©Paul Mobley

Sometimes a photo shoot may go so well that you find yourself banging your head against the wall as you agonize over every detail. Your selected proofs show so much potential. How do you even begin to edit an enormous batch of say… 150 images down to a mere 5? We’ve all been there. I think I may have the answer you’re looking for. On a recent shoot with actor and comedian Gilbert Gottfried, each shot felt like a winner. Gilbert is such a comedic genius, you’re going to get a lot of good images. Up against the proverbial wall, I did the only thing I could: I decided to show it all. I printed my entire roll of film in the form of a “contact sheet”.

This method of working depends entirely on the medium and without film, the idea would’ve fallen flat on its face. What gives it value and fills each image with interest are the nuances of the film, the ragged edges and the information printed around the perimeter of the negative. This is not to say that without these things, the photos would look less impactful but as a process it influences the style and the presentation. These small but subtle details embed themselves inside the picture and become inseparable in a way that ties each image together with the next, giving them all a continuity.

The next time you plan to shoot, pad some time to crank through a roll of film and develop it as a contact sheet. It may take longer but the statement it makes might just be the difference between great a photo and an amazing one.

And, if you have the time, go see Gilbert live. He’s so smart and funny, you’ll be glad you did. We all need to laugh once in a while, right?

–PM

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John Ondrasik of "Five for Fighting"

For a shoot this Friday, I plan to use film. Sure, these days photographers are expected to produce images with their digital cameras for an instant turn-around. I can’t dispute the advantage it gives practioners but all that aside, there’s something that keeps me coming back to film.

I day-dream about film. I think about it constantly and all the ways I once used it. I remember there were weeks when I would send literally dozens of rolls off for processing, eager to see the proofs. Even now, the largest digital file won’t match the grain or level of detail film churns out. It’s untouchable. Whether it’s my old Pentax 6×7 (a workhorse of a camera by the way!) or my 4×5 view camera, the purity of a photo shot on film has always been there.

I encourage you to put down your digital camera for a few days and drag out your old SLR. Pop in some film and keep it with you at all times. You’d be surprised by how much you’ll find yourself reaching for it to capture the shot. Not only will it help you enhance your skill as a photographer (there is no substitute for going back to the basics to master the medium), it might just become the thing that lands you your next assignment.

Rum Maker from Barbados

Still with me? Good because I’ve compiled a very small list of my favorite film processing labs. These places are far and few in between so take note because I promise you, they’re worth they’re salt:

• MV Labs (New York — East Coast)
• Titan Photo (Michigan — Midwest)
• Hidden Light, LLC. (Arizona — West Coast)

No matter what you’re using, keep shooting!

–PM

Future Rancher from Oklahoma

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My old college professor used to say, “the harder you work, the luckier you get…”

Recently, I felt humbled to be recognized by Adorama’s editor Mason Resnick for my work as a portraitist. What’s more, I was honored to share a bit of the spotlight with peers that I look up to and respect (Dorothea Lange, Annie Leibovitz, Irving Penn, etc). These other photographers are the kinds of artists who constantly broke barriers for us in an industry where success is hard won.

Click here to read the entire story…

Please take a minute of your time to pay each of these talented and amazing image makers a visit. Every last picture taken by any one of these people are sure to stick with you for years to come. I wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for them.

Having said all that, for as much time as me and my staff have put into this tremendously challenging career, I’m reminded of one more thing my professor liked to repeat: “When you work hard good things happen.”

He was right.

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Rochelle "Rocky" Jones: New York's first female battalion chief

As the nation watched President Obama deliver a speech that would mark the end of one of our country’s greatest enemies, I’m reminded of the heroes who thrive behind the scenes. Civil servants like the police force and scores of firemen. Men and women who devote themselves unconscionably to maintaining peace, order, and protecting our safety. It’s these people who usually put themselves in harm’s way, reacting to trouble wherever they’re needed.

Having said this, It seems appropriate that I might take a minute to introduce you to one of those people: Rochelle “Rocky” Jones.

Rochelle or “Rocky” as she is called by her peers is a battalion chief in one of New York’s fire departments. Throughout the department’s own 138 year history, Rochelle was the first woman to ascend the ranks to battalion chief and proved herself by meeting many rigorous and physical standards. She is now the highest ranking female chief in New York.

Perhaps the most challenging time in her career emerged on September 11th when the twin towers were struck down by 2 commercial airliners. Although she remained stranded in New Mexico some 43 hours away from New York, Rocky nevertheless drove thousands of miles back home to assume her duty helping to right what had gone so terribly wrong. She still remembers the loss of her 14 co-workers to the two shattered buildings.

Photographing Rocky inside her department's fire truck.

Recently, I was honored with the chance to photograph Rocky in her Firehouse. They say “in a photograph, It’s the eyes, It’s always the eyes.” I could tell immediately that Rocky’s eyes still carry the powerful memories of September 11th. I remember her saying, “people talk about closure. I don’t think there’s such a thing. The effects of this are lifelong. We lost 343 firefighters in one day. You can never forget. Since 9/11, I have a very specific goal. I have to be strong. I have to show a bunch of young kids that you don’t quit when something bad happens.”

Today over 400 women have applied to become city firefighters.

My heart goes out to ALL the heroes who continue to make the United States a great place to live. But most of all, to Rocky for her bravery and kindness. I can’t thank you enough.

–PM

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Paul Mobley’s 2010 Santa Fe Workshop from Paul Mobley on Vimeo.

I’ve just compiled a video reel of some of my student’s portrait work from my 2010 workshop in Santa Fe. Having spent a solid week nurturing their ideas and teaching them to capture the spirit of their subjects, I’m beyond thrilled to go back and look at the talent that emerged in their work. Everyone’s style is unique and no one sees anything exactly the same.

These photos are proof that the vision we share evolves the more we push ourselves to open our minds to all the possibilities the world has to offer. Santa Fe probably had something to do with it too… It has an incredible terrain but most of all, it’s the sort of place that inspires us to take risks and to leave our comfort zones.

I encourage all of you to join me this summer for the next installment of my workshops. This is an exciting opportunity to challenge yourself to become a better observer and to make some great images! Class runs from July 24th to July 30th. Interested? Register here.

A BIG THANK YOU to each of my students for allowing me the chance to be your teacher:

Joe Bauwens
Elizabeth Bluhm
Caleb Clapp
Jerry Deutser
Paul Diamond
Sasha Georgeson
Gail Ginder
Beth Moore
Toni Narins
Todd Nida
Jim Patterson
Paul Rancuret
Annwyn Tobin
Kathy Udell

Your pictures are worth a thousand words but your friendship means so much more.

-PM

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In memory of Edna Parker-115 years old

Due to the overwhelming response to my post on Walter Breuning, I thought it might also be appropriate to look back into my archives and re-post something of similar value. This former entry was written about Edna Parker, an incredibly kind woman who once held the title as oldest person in the world shortly before her 116th birthday (she unfortunately passed away). I’ve recompiled the text for that entry below:

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I was very fortunate to photograph Edna Parker, who at the time was the oldest living human in the world. I photographed Edna when she was 115-1/2. She lived in Shelbyville, Indiana. After getting permission to photograph her, I fondly remember driving to Indiana wondering what it would be like to meet “the oldest living person”. But more importantly, how I was going to take such a photograph to honor her legacy. After scheduling the sitting, I made SURE not to see any previous photographs of her. I did not want to know what she looked like beforehand. This, for me, was part of the challenge.

I showed up at the senior facility in Shelbyville. I remember going to the front desk, checking in, saying “I’m here to photograph Edna”. The nurse said “Edna’s waiting in the library for you”. Over the years I’ve photographed lot’s of important people, but this shooting had me very nervous. I’m not sure why……So I walked toward the library and kept wondering, what’s she going to look like, how will she be. As I approached the the doorway I will never forget seeing a small woman with a full head of white hair looking out the window. And without saying a word I heard Edna say “Paul is that you?”  I said, “yes Edna, it’s me, how did you know?”……She said “I just knew”.

So I sat down with her and we talked for a while. I was stunned by how well spoken and alert she was for her age. She told me that she still walks every day and really misses driving. Driving, “yes, my car she said!” I was amazed at the stories a 115 year old can tell. I always try to get to know my subject before I ever pick up the camera. It’s so important. Finally I sat her down and immediately decided the photograph should be black & white. It  needed to be iconic. Black & White tends to make photographs “timeless”

As I started shooting, Edna’s great great grandson showed up with her mother. As she turned to acknowledge their presence, the light hit her face “perfectly”. Fortunately, I was paying attention and got the shot. That clearly was the best picture. Kind of ironic that a one year baby inspired Edna to give me such a great image. Right before her 116th birthday Edna passed away. She went to bed the night before, and never woke up. I was so very honored to have spent time with her. As short as it was in her long and glorious life, I will never forget it. Hopefully this photograph will honor her legacy.

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Walter Breuning, The World's Oldest Man

Just weeks ago I was honored when I was given the opportunity to photograph “the world’s oldest man.” Walter Breuning lived in Great Falls Montana. At 114 years old, Walter’s optimism for life and the care of others gave him the longevity he needed to move forward. Despite his growing age, Walter was not afraid of death. As he put it, “We’re all going to die. Some people are scared of dying. Never be afraid to die. Because you’re born to die.”

Interviewing Walter

As a photographer, perhaps the most interesting thing to me about Walter was the condition of his figure. Some people wear their lives on their faces, but Walter seemed to wear his on his hands. These were the hands of someone who spent his time committed to honest labor. And Walter was no stranger to labor having spent fifty years of his life as a dedicated railroad man with the Great Northern Railway.

Walter showed me tremendous kindness the day we met to photograph him and it’s something I’ll never forget. I think it shows in the work. He wears his composure proudly but delicately.

Each of us should be as lucky as Walter. Spending our lives loving, living, and learning are just a few of the gifts we’re given as people however, in the end, it’s how we use these gifts that counts. Walter possessed each of those things in spades and in his wake, left behind hundreds of loyal and dedicated friends. I’m happy to be one of them. As I’ve said many times before, this is why I love what I do!

A snapshot with my friend Walter

Rest in peace Walter.

-PM

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