WPN "Photographer Spotlight": Michael Hill ~ Photography News

WPN "Photographer Spotlight": Michael Hill

Enemy. Michael Hill self-portrait

September 24, 2014 /Photography News/ World Photography Network (WPN) is very pleased to sponsor the popular segment: "Photographer Spotlight.” In this part of their newsletter they interview various fellow photographers and learn more about what motivates them, what their goals are and what direction they wish to take with their art. This edition's spotlight focuses on the talents of photographer Michael Hill.

WPN: Please give us a little background info about yourself.

M.H: I’m a “son” of New Orleans, a photographer, a wannabe writer, a peaceful warrior and a borderline pet hoarder. Actually, I’m not really the last one. That just seems like too much effort, but I would love to have my own zoo. I’ve been living in Florida for the past 5 years with my fiancé and our four legged family. I first began studying photography around the age of 15 and have loved it ever since. I’ve taken it from a hobby to a hopeful career.

Tasha, by Michael Hill

WPN: Why photography as your mode of expression?

M.H: Back in my freshmen year of high school I signed up for a photography class because I thought it would be an “easy” grade. (This was back in the film days.) After a couple of weeks, I became more interested in photography. The grade wasn’t as important as the experience. That was a turning point for me. After that I pretty much carried a camera with me everywhere I went. I talked about new lenses, took pictures of everything and annoyed my friends. I’ve always liked art, but I can’t draw or paint, but I still want to be able to show people the ideas and images in my head. Being behind a lens made that possible.

The Chair, by Michael Hill

WPN: What do you see and feel when looking through your lens?

M.H: Everything. I don’t really know. I take it all in. I guess I’ve never really given it much thought. I see something I like, and I snap a few pics of it and then move on. Usually, I do not get overly involved in why I liked it in the first place. I guess I like to keep it simple.

Till Death, by Michael Hill

WPN: What are the messages or thoughts you wish to impart with your viewers?

M.H: I try not to ponder too deeply. I leave it up to my viewer to interpret for themselves after the photo is edited. Honestly, they usually come up with better narratives than I would have intended. Somehow it just works. I only do what comes naturally and never try and force anything. If I see an interesting subject that I just can’t seem to capture right, I leave it alone for someone else to do better. I like to “go with the flow.”

Best Friends, by Michael Hill. Winner of TeraBella Media 2014 Human Hands Photography Competition.

WPN: Explain more about your use of color overlay on your black and white images.

M.H: For me, creating a photograph is like trying to show someone my memory of a place and just how I remember it. Later, when I recall the scene, there’s always something that stood out. It could be a red chair, pastel colored carnival rides with glowing bulbs, or just how blue the ocean was that day. So, I’ll use a combination of selective coloring and blurs to draw the viewer’s attention to whatever my focus was. I remember the whole scene in detail, but for some reason my thoughts drift back to a particular subject which will always stand out in my mind. I will always think of that most in the scene and associate with it. By using the overlay process the images become like windows into my memories.

WPN: Any current projects or future projects in the works?

M.H: I will be part of an upcoming show in Kansas City opening on September 5th at the Main Street Gallery. Lately, I’ve been working on a unique way to mount and show a series I’ve done. This involves working with my hands more, and I’m pretty excited about that. More info coming soon!

Website: michaelhillphotography.com

Email: frankensinatra@gmail.com

Wish to be considered for the next Spotlight interview?

Please contact WPN's staff at info@wpnetwork.net