Featured Photographer at PhotoRequest (October, 1997) (no longer online)
Mr. Chambers, at what age did you know you were going to be a photojournalist/documentary photographer?
This is a difficult question to answer, since we really don't know until we either experience a particular situation or have some kind of revelation through exposure. I suppose I had a
reasonably good idea or feeling when a friend of mine placed a camera in my hand in 1972. At that moment, the hardware (a Pentax, by the way) seemed to beckon me. It was as if I was six years
old holding a shiny, red ball, and I had to play, play, play! And twenty-five years later, I'm still playing. As far as photojournalism or documentary photography, this didn't take effect until
a couple of years later when I started immersing myself in photography books and attending exhibitions. This increased exposure turned my head or view towards making documentary portraits and
street coverage. Since that time, I've done a great deal of this which has culminated in numerous exhibitions in the United States ('Dyer Street Portraiture', 'Descendants/350', 'Hot City',
'In Black and White', 'Hometown', etc.), Zimbabwe (Africa)('Southwest of Rusape: The Mucharambeyi Connection' and 'Variations on the Dan Mask') and South Korea ('People to People'). From
time-to-time, however, I've combined the medium of photography with other media to offer a conceptual study ('Mother's 45s', 'Variations on the Dan Mask', 'VP90/Release' and 'CYSX2'), and I
think I may now be heading this direction, more and more ... towards interactive and installation pieces.
Yes, I was self-taught with the exception of my friend back in 1972. I've had no formal photography schooling, but what's ironic, maybe, is the fact that I've taught numerous workshops at
the professional level. I suppose this is due to my aptitude, desire to continue my exploration of the medium and willingness to share my accumulated knowledge and experiences with
others.
I use only two cameras, which I've had it seems, for an eternity. They are Nikon FE2's. This is all I've ever needed ... with an assortment of lenses (mainly the 20mm) ... to do what I've
done and still do. They're old and battered like a well-used Teddy bear, but they get the job done for me, at least.
No, I don't work for a company. I'm my own person and travel to and fro to make my images. In the past, however, I did work at the university (Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas and
University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island) and city government (Executive Office of the Mayor, City of Providence, Providence, Rhode Island) levels as a staff photographer.
As I've mentioned, I specialize in documentary portraiture, but I've also generated mixed-media, interactive and installation pieces.
Maybe or maybe not. I do know that Dianne Arbus' work has influenced me greatly. I continuely page through her photo books for inspiration and a connection. Her ability to capture reality
or surreality in a photograph is unmatched.
This is another difficult question to answer, but I think that I've always approached my subjects and situations in the same manner, and probably always will, since this connection seems to
be innate or a particular feeling I have when I release the shutter.
I don't know if my style is really different from other documentary portraiture photographers, but what is paramount for me is that I made the photograph, not them. A lot of photographers
hesitate to shoot, because they don't want to duplicate. I disagree with this feeling. What's important is that the image was made, and it belongs to the creator. Regardless of duplication,
self-satisfaction is all important.
I suppose it comes naturally. I have no difficulty in interacting and releasing the shutter.
It's a pleasure to be able to make the connection with usually, a stranger. The camera is the thread I use to sew or make a relationship, albeit momentarily. My subjects seem to be
comfortable with the situation and realize that the interaction will be frozen or documented for an eternity. This point is important as it relates to the establishment of the relationship in
order to make the photograph.
As I've mentioned, I interact fully with the subject to be able to obtain the 'look' I want. What's interesting I think, is this 'look' seems natural in the image, but it's acquired through
constant encouragement of posture and expression.
It would be nice if all publications were interested in my images ... money? ... but the ones that might target my work would probably be National Geographic, Life, Newsweek and Time.
I really haven't concentrated too much on pushing my work towards publications. I push towards exhibition. But, numerous images have appeared in city magazines (El Paso, Texas/Providence,
Rhode Island), city tabloids (Providence, Rhode Island), city newspapers (El Paso, Texas/Lubbock, Texas/Providence, Rhode Island/Austin, Texas), university publications (Texas Tech University,
Lubbock, Texas/University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island/Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island), organization publications and exhibition catalogues.
Definitely. I'm always thinking about the next documentary project and mixed-media pieces. And the Internet has added another dimension to this process.
This is a very good question, and my answer has created problems for me as I pursue personal relationships from time-to-time. Your guess is probably as good as mine, but I do know that I
can't seem to find or draw a line between the two. Our destinies take us down troubled roads, but those roads (or road) lead to a self-satisfaction that's worth the pain and sorrow.
I have no other interests, except for expanding my view and work in new directions ... the Internet, maybe, but this tool is just a means for me to continue my desire for the medium.
My most memorable photo experience would have to be the time spent with an African family in Zimbabwe to be able to generate the project, 'Southwest of Rusape: The Mucharambeyi Connection'.
Their willingness to accept me as a part of their community means as much to me as the product. |