David Lee Black
An Eye for Photography
By Mark B. Oliver | May 27, 2015
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
David Lee Black is an award winning photographer whose images frequently adorn ONE.
“I was drawn to art and photography at an early age, fascinated by the natural lines formed in nature and attracted to the sights, smells and textures of abandoned spaces. One of my first merit badges before I earned my Eagle Scout Award was Photography.”
In high school, Black was the photo editor for the school paper and year book, and his journalism teacher nurtured his interest in photography.
“She gave me keys to the school darkroom which was located high above the theatrical stage. There was a wooden staircase that led up into what I fondly remember as a ‘magic room’ with a red light bulb outside the door indicating whether the darkroom was in use.”
His teacher’s trust in his ability was well placed, with Black forging a lifelong career in photography.
Black never received formal training, but his natural talent has been helped by being surrounded by creative people.
“I have been very fortunate in my life to have wildly creative painters, sculptors, potters, musicians, writers in my life. All of which has helped form my path in photography with a special knack for having a eye for what is a good photograph.”
When asked who his favorite photographer is he hesitates.
“I would say it is a coin toss between Alfred Stieglitz and Ansel Adams. Stieglitz was a photographer and modern art promoter who was instrumental in having photography accepted as mainstream art in the early twentieth century, and this accomplishment often overshadows his own excellent work. Adams, of course, has an expansive eye for the majestic landscapes of the American West.”
Black’s work has appeared in numerous publications including Stationery Magazine, New England Living, Edible Cape Cod, Art Scope Magazine, and Yankee Magazine.com. Shortly his photograph White Mountain Sisters will be published in National Geographic Traveler.
His commercial work is wide ranging with his images appearing on everything from ale to record labels.
Perhaps it’s this diversity that has led Black to win so many awards such as Featured Artist Award for New England Artists (2005), The Juror’s Choice Award at the Winter Exhibition at the Attleboro Art Museum (2006), and The Honorarium Award, the International Society of Photographers Convention and Symposium, Las Vegas (2007) to name but a few.
Black’s favorite quote sheds light on his work ethos;
“Each photograph owns its own setting, heart and soul, without apology or reservation.” - Mexico Ledger.
Looking ahead Blacks’ future looks rosy as his career continues to blossom with new opportunities to photograph the rural landscapes and special portraiture of the people of Ireland.
A collection of Black’s photos will be released in the fall of 2012. Asylum is a photographic journey into an abandoned Massachusetts insane asylum built in 1854. A selection of photographs from the book are in the slideshow that accompanies this article. Further details will be published on Black’s website when they become available.
Details:
