In the Studio with Artist Rich Isaacman
Today we are going in the studio with Rich Isaacman. Rich’s extensive photography experience is deeply rooted in his passion for travel, having explored more than 50 countries across six continents. His photography focuses on landscapes, cityscapes, and street scenes, and he’s also honed his skills in drone photography, which he now teaches professionally.
Isaacman has held leadership roles in photography clubs, including president and vice president of the Digital Photography Club of Annapolis. Additionally, he has been involved with organizations like the Maryland Federation of Art and the Annapolis Arts Alliance. His photography has received recognition and is often displayed in local venues including BWI airport and the Circle Gallery in downtown Annapolis.
Rich’s solo exhibition, Fire and Rain, will be on display in our Hal Gomer Gallery from October 24 through December 4. The Opening Reception will be October 26 | 6-8 pm. RSVP here.
We are thrilled he will also be sharing tips and techniques in an upcoming Intro Digital Photography workshop here at CAC on October 28.
Here’s Rich talking about his art, process and experience…
Do you consider yourself an artist? Why or why not?
I do, though in its early days there was a lot of controversy about whether photography was truly “art”. But it is, if you believe that art is the expression of emotion through a physical medium, whether that be painting, music, or whatever. A photograph is almost never the objective capture of a scene, but the rather the results of the photographer’s decisions: the light, the angles, the exposure, the composition. Good photographs bring the viewer into the scene and create a feeling. That makes them art, so I guess I’m an artist!
When did you start creating art? Was there an event that led you to this?
I had been interested in photography since my 20’s, but the event that really inspired me to get serious about it was a family wedding in Bangladesh in 2011, one of those enormous Hindu weddings (a thousand people!) that go on for about a week. It was one of the most visually exciting experiences I’ve had: the dress, the food, the people on the street, everything. Knowing it would be that way, I invested in good equipment before the trip and began taking photography courses. Both have paid off!
If you could be anything besides an artist, what would you be, and why?
I am already lots of things besides an artist! I am an astronomer who spent most of my career at NASA, which I’m happy to say was my dream job since childhood. Since my retirement in 2013 I continue to stay connected by consulting for NASA contractors. And of course I have had more time to pursue photography as my wife and I travel around the world for three months out of the year. Finally my third retirement career is as a mediator for the District Court of Maryland. So it is probably fair to say that I am only one-third artist…
What do you feel makes your art stand out?
I travel a lot – I have been to over 50 countries – and my photos reflect the variety of aesthetics, scenery, and culture of the places I go. I try very hard to use my photos to convey a sense of place to the viewer, and to crystallize the feelings I have about a place so that the viewer not only sees it through my eyes but kind of lives inside my head in the moment. To the extent that I succeed, my photos stand out in engaging the viewer so that they feel either that they have shared the experience or want to visit there themselves.
How do you market yourself and your work?
I maintain my own website and also regularly enter local art exhibtions held by organizations such as the Maryland Federation of Art at their various galleries. At any given moment I usually have at least a couple of pieces hanging around the area. I also teach: drone photography at Maryland Hall in Annapolis, and an upcoming introductory photography course here at CAC. Teaching raises my visibility in the community and creates word of mouth.
What are you working on at the moment?
For the past five years one of my major photographic interests is drone photography and videography. I’ve become a licensed commercial drone pilot and among other things use my drones to capture local landscapes. At the moment I am working on a project doing drone photography and videography of the lighthouses in the Chesapeake Bay.
How do you stay connected and up to date with the art world?
I stay involved with a number of local arts organizations. I’m on the board of directors of the Maryland Federation of Art, a member of the Annapolis Arts Alliance, and a member and past president of the Digital Photography Club Of Annapolis. Both the social and artistic aspects of these organizations keep me current on developments in techniques and tools, and they are source of inspiration by talking to other artists – not just photographers -- and learning about their work.
To learn more about Rich and his artwork, visit his website.
Fire and Rain
A Solo Exhibition by Rich Isaacman
October 24 - December 4
Hal Gomer Gallery
Artist Reception:
October 26 | 6 pm - 8 pm
From dramatic tornadoes touching down in a Texas field to volcanoes erupting on a Hawaiian island, this series by photographer Rich Isaacman is sure to leave you awestruck at the incredible power of nature. Rich has traveled all over the world to capture these breathtaking images of extreme weather events and bring them to CAC’s Hal Gomer Gallery, join us for an awesome opportunity to celebrate his work!
Intro to Digital Photography
Ages 16+
Saturday, October 28 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Members FREE, Non-Member $15
Learn the basics of digital photography from professional Rich Isaacman! Start class in the Hal Gomer Gallery immersed by Rich’s show “Fire and Rain” and then head to a classroom to learn about light, composition, exposure and more. Bring your digital camera (Smartphone, Point-and-Shoot or DSLR). Free for CAC Members!
