Interview with Andrew West | Capturing the Essence & Emotion of Events

Hi! I'm Andrew West. How did I get into photography? I was walking on the streets of Seattle! I was given an assignment: go into the streets of Seattle and find humanity. So I walked onto the streets and I did find humanity, but I also found a lot more. What I saw was the human faces behind what we call humanity; the faces, the individuals. I saw the eyes, the faces, the smiles, the grimace, and I recorded everything as I saw it, without judgment. I knew in that moment that photography was what I was meant to be doing. There was an exhilaration and excitement to be recording moments of life just as they were, and more than that, the ability to record and capture the truth, so that others might see it, especially in places where they cannot go, or fear to go themselves. And then, the final wave of the magic wand for me was walking into the darkroom and seeing the image magically appear in the developer, right before my eyes.

Time has passed, and I have, and continue to have the camera by my side, and I have now come upon the opportunity to once again be an observer and capturer of the truth, in an unbiased and non-judgmental way. For me, to be able to show equally the emotion and passion on both sides of an argument is what a true photographer does. As photographers, we go where the inspiration takes us, excited to be capturing life where we can, whether a lunar eclipse in the middle of a foggy night, a riot on the streets of Los Angeles, or society: in the throes of heavy discussion, deciding the next course of humanity.

As for me, and my passion for photography, it is most rewarding when I can capture realistic, true portrayals of humanity and the human condition. When I am engaged in my work, it is of the utmost importance to have my images balanced and free of distracting elements so that I am getting the most powerful image to the observer, and one that shows diversity in an unbiased and true light.

I studied Fine Art Photography at the University of Louisville, in Louisville, Kentucky, and also Commercial Photography at the Art Institute of Seattle.

My first shot was actually a shot of a rake and the shadow it cast on a wall, which was a photo to illustrate 2D design. My professor was pleased and during critique stated it was a great example of photographic design.

Currently, I use a Canon 7d Mark ii DSLR.

To become well known as an accomplished photographer in many different areas, and continue to grow in both my knowledge and expertise.

The compliment that has inspired me the most was a recent comment by my photo director at the Legislative Research Committee, in which he congratulated me on a job well done shooting the most recent Legislative Session, and also told me I excelled from the previous year and even caused him to push himself to do more as a photographer.

The main inspiration for my unique storytelling is the fascination with the interplay of darkness and light in a scene. I am excited by dramatic light, and how it lends to the overall composition of a photograph.

Drama, composition, and feeling.

It is a great honour to win in one of the categories for the European Photography Awards. On winning, and perusing through the other entries I feel humbled to be in the company of so many excellent photographers. All of the work I witnessed was very exquisite.

I considered entering a photograph of an editorial nature, as most recently that had been what I have focused on, but the photo I submitted had a special place in my best photos, especially in the uniqueness of how it was captured. Film was my first love, and what initially won me over to be a photographer, and so the fact that this was one of my best, using infra-red film, I focused on this one alone.

Winning an award has given me even greater impetus to further put more of my work into the public eye so that it is more and more readily noticed, and also it feels like a bit of a nudge from spirit, to carry on forward strongly in what I love to do most.

1. Margaret Bourke-White, who, in my opinion, was a true master of Composition. Even though she no longer is alive, she is still my muse.

2. Ansel Adams, for his breathtaking and masterful landscapes in black and white.

3. Annie Liebowitz, for her portraiture, and ability to bring out feelings in them that are especially unique.

From my professor, a very accomplished professional in both New York and Louisville, Suzanne Mitchell, who said to me one day, "Always keep your camera with you."

My advice would be, "If it truly gives you joy, do everything you can to stretch your limits, and always strive to be an even better and better photographer."

To quote my favourite photographer:

"Saturate yourself with your subject and the camera will all but take you by the hand." by Margaret Bourke-White.

It comes naturally as it is what I love to do. I thirst to be better and better each day I have a camera in hand.

Just that I am very grateful for this accomplishment and to be in the company of such fine people. Thank you for this great opportunity!