Nathan Ward, 18
1. How do you feel about the concept of “free-writing” in relation to photography? That is to say, is it better to photograph without much thought and edit down later?
That question couldn’t be better timed. It wasn’t until the last few months that I feel like I started photographing with a purpose. It came very naturally, I didn’t just decide “I’m going to make my photos say this or make people feel this way.” I became really irritated with thinking that I was just taking pictures of things that looked cool. I started trying to make photographs that interacted with each other and I could call a series. That ended up being several failed projects. Out of lack of new work I decided maybe photographing the things that looked cool wasn’t so bad. So not too long ago I was taken through a small town not far from where I live that really struck my interest. So, I began to research the town and started making regular trips there, taking photos each time. Slowly I had started building a body of work with a narrative and purpose. It feels like an entirely new practice now that I have a focus when I’m shooting. I feel a lot more confident about what I’m doing and actually considering myself an artist. All the heavy shit aside though, (“free-shooting” I guess you’d call it) is the reason behind it all. When it comes down to it having a camera in my hand is the best feeling in the world to me. So whether I am working on something really thoughtful or just walking around and snapping photos, I’m doing it because that’s what keeps me happy. So, I guess the answer is to do what works for you. Don’t force yourself into making something that you think other people want to see.
2. Speaking of editing, yours is very select and minimal. Why is this?
I think a lot of that has to do with me being way too picky. Little things piss me off when I’m editing and sometimes that ends up with me ditching the photo. So I am pretty selective when it comes to photos I show and photos that just end up in a folder until I feel like working with them again. That being said, not all of my editing stems from pickiness. I do think a lot about how I present my work. One of the biggest issues I have with some photographers is their lack of control in what they show. There are some artists who have some incredible work but demean it by showing everything else they take. I don’t want to sound like I’m preaching about what the right way to do things is though. I guess if what you’re doing is working out for you, keep it up. Personally though, I prefer quality over quantity.
3. What do you want to do with your photography? What sort of work or internships do you see yourself applying for?
Ever since I picked up the camera when I was 15 I have been drawn to photographing people. I guess in the long run I’d love to do editorial work because it gives you the perfect opportunity to photograph a range of different people and situations. That is a pretty general statement but that is the kind of work that I see myself trying to get. Although making a living as an artist isn’t going to be easy so I have no room to be picky with what jobs I take (assuming I get any).
4. Any new material that you are excited about?
Like I mentioned in the first question, I’m in the process of making what I think will be my first significant work. There isn’t too much to say right now, but I plan to release a few of the images and some background about the project by the end of the month. I have a lot of unseen photographs, my attempts at sculpture, and eventually some of my design work I plan to release when my website is functional again. Right now the site is down, I’m a little embarrassed by how I manage my website, but should be up for good (might be the 10th time I’ve said that) by June.
5. If you could shoot one “dream assignment” what would it be?
I think I mentioned in an interview a long time ago that I’d like to photograph dinosaurs or aliens. I think that is still pretty true so I’m going to stick with that.
