April 18, 2014
The Toughest Interview I’ve Ever Done – Vision Drawings: Session #1
Wedding Day
My friend and photographer John Kosmopoulos recently interviewed me for his new series, Vision Drawings: Session #1
Honestly, it was one of the toughest interviews that I’ve ever done, not because John was tough, but because the questions were difficult for me to answer.
At one point I frustratedly told John that I just didn’t think that I could do it, but with his help and encouragement, I completed the interview.
The questions were tough because they dealt with the feelings and motivations behind my work. It’s not that I don’t have these feelings, but I find it difficult to put them into words.
Perhaps that’s part of the reason why I became a photographer, so that I could avoid words and use images instead.
You can read the interview here:
http://www.silverzenphotography.com/blog/vision-drawings-the-sessions/cole-thompson/
Thank you John, for this opportunity and for encouraging me.
Cole
Had the distinct pleasure of hearing Elmore Leonard, the author, speak about going to Hollywood. Movie producers talk about the “theme” of a work. Elmore thought this was great because he might learn something about movies and his books. Why? Because he didn’t know is work had a theme! Turns out the producers had no idea what they were talking about, this is just how they talked. Elmore Leonard’s work doesn’t have a theme, just interesting characters! Your comment about theme’s brought this back to me. Thanks!
Wow, those really were good interview questions. I’ve read several of your interviews, but this one brought out some comments I haven’t heard before.
I do think it’s interesting to discuss the image-making process after the fact, but for me, at the time of making the image, it’s very intuitive. I couldn’t imagine trying to keep all those kinds of things in mind and be making the image at the same time.
Great job Cole……
Superb interview, Cole. Thanks for taking the time to persevere to completion.
Many thanks Cole for offering more of yourself to fellow photographers and for indulging me with some exploratory and experientially laden questions. Thank you also for your kindness my friend and for persevering through it all, rebel to rebel : )
Intelligent questions asked…
Thoughtful answers given…
It doesn’t get any better than that… KUDOS to you both.
Great interview, Cole. It’s great to hear some of your personal insights. I particularly like your advice for those who strive to find contentment for their own art.
Excellent interview,Cole. Everyone should be able to learn a lesson from your interviews. The theme of “Create for Yourself” sometimes takes years of photographing to occur, I know that it for me. I really like the part about”Perception” and “Working with good compositions”. Words to Live by as a Photographer/Artist.
Thought provoking questions as well as answers, Cole, I’m glad you stuck with it and completed the interview!
Thoughtful questions and great responses! Thanks!
I can almost picture you twisting and squirming around those answers
Well done, Cole.