Thomas Finkenstadt
Thomas Finkenstadt
When I speak of my first love I am referring to photography.
In 1963, when I got my first camera at the age of seven, until now I have always been fascinated by the small moments capture in time and recorded on film.
In 1974 I attended Cypress College in California. At that time, one of my instructors, David Drake, (now long-time friend and photographer) was a great source of knowledge. His attitude was an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of attending his classes.
A very close friendship developed between a former student, John Woods, and myself. John’s clear vision and knowledge of photography is to rival even the masters, the likes of Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, Edward Weston and Brett Weston.
Through John I had the opportunity to meet Ansel Adams. That led to many visits with him over the years.
I met Brett Weston in pretty much the same way. There was one big exception, Brett and I developed a friendship. This friendship didn’t develop because of his being a famous artist, it developed due to the person he was. Over an extended period of time I was a guest staying with Brett many times.
When Brett spoke of his work it was truly a labor of love. There was a passion and caring for his work. His voice had a tone of deep passion and love as if he was speaking about a wife or lady friend. At the time I didn’t really understand his feeling but as time went by it didn’t take long for me to understand.
My driving force in my work is Penny, my wife. I don’t know if she really understands my passion and love for the art. She supports my endeavors.
In an era where everyone appears to be in a transition to digital imaging and computer-generated works, I still use film and make silver prints. I use these two things similar to a painter using a palette of colours and a piece of canvas. As of late I feel like a dinosaur, not quite on the brink of extinction.
When I speak of my first love I am referring to photography.
In 1963, when I got my first camera at the age of seven, until now I have always been fascinated by the small moments capture in time and recorded on film.
In 1974 I attended Cypress College in California. At that time, one of my instructors, David Drake, (now long-time friend and photographer) was a great source of knowledge. His attitude was an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of attending his classes.
A very close friendship developed between a former student, John Woods, and myself. John’s clear vision and knowledge of photography is to rival even the masters, the likes of Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, Edward Weston and Brett Weston.
Through John I had the opportunity to meet Ansel Adams. That led to many visits with him over the years.
I met Brett Weston in pretty much the same way. There was one big exception, Brett and I developed a friendship. This friendship didn’t develop because of his being a famous artist, it developed due to the person he was. Over an extended period of time I was a guest staying with Brett many times.
When Brett spoke of his work it was truly a labor of love. There was a passion and caring for his work. His voice had a tone of deep passion and love as if he was speaking about a wife or lady friend. At the time I didn’t really understand his feeling but as time went by it didn’t take long for me to understand.
My driving force in my work is Penny, my wife. I don’t know if she really understands my passion and love for the art. She supports my endeavors.
In an era where everyone appears to be in a transition to digital imaging and computer-generated works, I still use film and make silver prints. I use these two things similar to a painter using a palette of colours and a piece of canvas. As of late I feel like a dinosaur, not quite on the brink of extinction.
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- Website:http://www.silver-light.net
