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Eric O’Connell: Photographer

Eric O’Connell is a celebrated American photographer from New Mexico, now working out of New York.   His photographs – whether they be personal or for corporate clients – are striking, inspirational and full of life.  He is also one of the principle reasons I became so fascinated with photography.  I first came across his work several years ago, before I had even had the urge to pick up a camera for any reason other than to take snapshots.  But the seed that was planted by that first exposure continues to grow, and I now can’t imagine my life without photography playing a central role in it.

Not only is he a wonderful photographer, he’s also one of the nicest guys you could possibly hope to meet.  Eric was kind enough to take some time out to answer a few questions for us here at photographywired.

PW: What first inspired your interest in photography?
EOC: My buddy in High School.  We light-painted ourselves as monsters standing in a doorway.  One of us would stand in the doorway, arms and legs apart and the other would run a flashlight around the silo of the “monster’s” body from behind facing the camera – You get it? – so the camera sees the face of the flashlight directly.

Then, I took photography in my first term at University and from then on was hooked.  I think it was a way for a shy person to meet girls really.

PW: Do you still feel passionate about photography?
EOC: I do feel passionately about photography.  The business of it?  No.  But who does feel passionate about business except for stuff-rich guys…hmm, Rich you say?  Maybe I should find a new passion!   The only way to maintain the passion is to continue to discover and shoot.  Yoda was absolutely correct:  ”Think not.  Do.” (Sorry Master Yoda if I misquoted you.)  And, truly that is the hardest thing to do – believe it or not – for me.

PW: You were one of the tens of thousands of people directly affected by the events that took place in New York on the 11th of September, 2001.  Did what happened on that day have a lasting impact on your attitude to photography and its place in all of our lives?
EOC: Oh, it had a massive impact!  I almost lost my life.  I think you know the story.  And, after that – depression and all miserable things – I realized that the very reason I moved to NY – to get the big jobs, have magazine covers and all that – was no longer important.  Whoa!  I had to reassess, and go through all sorts of mind games and “life questions” to realize that it’s better for me to be happy taking a photo I like rather than chasing some Holy Grail.  That’s a big deal, because it takes the wind out of one’s sails and literally leaves you adrift.  With no oars.  On a big ocean.  NY:  The biggest of the oceans.

It’s been tough, and my boat is still coming about, as they say.

PW: Do you feel it’s important to do self-fulfilling personal work alongside commissioned work?
EOC: Absolutely!!!!!  It’s the only way unless you want to burn out and find yourself in a place contemplating existential questions like: What’s it all mean?

PW: Digital or film?
EOC: Both.  Film is better in feel and texture, and the “magic” of photography exists in it.  Digital is too perfect. But…whaddayagonnado?  Digital offers it’s own thing, but I just don’t like being the tech, the processor, the manipulator; I just don’t like sitting in front of the computer futzing with it.  That’s me.

PW: One of my favourite personal projects of yours involved East German Cowboys – how did you come to embark on that project, and why did it prove so fascinating to you?
EOC: My background is in Anthropology and Journalism.  I always liked the formal portraits that Avedon and Penn did.  But more than how they did it, it was the discovery of other cultures that I liked so much.  There are also other photographers more influential to me like Martin Chambi, an early 20th century Peruvian guy.  THAT was the stuff! And the work of John Collier, and John Collier, Jr.  I read a brief paragraph in a book [Fast Food Nation] which briefly described this strange Cowboy Culture which existed in the east of Germany.  The author was drawing a parallel between fast food in coming from the West of America, and the first McDonald’s in the East of Europe being in this town where – lo and behold – Western style Cowboys existed!  Hence the photo of the McDonald’s in the series.  So, when I read this, I was fascinated:  I grew up with these people, I said to myself.  I went to discover them. I had some German friends and they helped me make first contact and then I went there, using a translator (Eastern Germans don’t speak so much English) and did my photos on two separate trips.  I’ve had one show from that – or, more precisely, been part of a show – series which took place in Leipzig, Germany.  It was an interesting show which used 8 other artists looking at the phenomenon.

PW: You’ve travelled around the world with your cameras, which is your favourite photographic destination?
EOC: Currently the Middle East.  Too bad it’s so difficult to travel there now.  But, for me, growing up in New Mexico, the vastness and the desert, the heat and the colors all really ring with me.  I also really like that culture.

Thanks to Eric for taking time out to answer our questions, and allowing us to show some of his wonderful images.

To view more examples of his work and contact Eric, visit www.ericoconnell.com. Eric will also be launching his own blog soon – we’ll let you know once it’s live and kicking!

Tags: 9/11, cowboys, eric o'connell, inspiration, interview, photographer, photographywired, professional, travel

3 Comments to Eric O’Connell: Photographer

1. 

   interesting reading indeed…..thanks Eric for taking the time to share your thoughts with us here at PW. Some of your work over on your web site is totally awesome. Looking forward to adding your blog to my list of reading when its up and running.
Stuart on January 11th, 2009
2. 

   Great insight there into the work of a talented photographer – I think the future of stills photography is secure, there will always be the need for static pictures, even if newspapers and magazines fold and journalism becomes a 100% online thing (very likely at some point in the future).
Heather on January 11th, 2009
3. 

   Thank you to share with us some of sir O’connell’s feelings and great images. I’m totally fond of the bright colors!
   Believe me his blog’ll be in my rss reader!
   Has a book with some of his work has been published?
shmileblik on January 11th, 2009

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