Features
Interview with NYC photographer Glenn Glasser
Introducing photographer, Glenn Glasser. When asked to describe himself Glenn issued the following statement “i always wait for others to get off the subway car before entering - - my grandparents introduced me to moby by buying me ‘play’ - - in grade school we got a day off for the first day of deer hunting and trout seasons - - i will travel anywhere on a rumor of good sweetbreads,” and he also just happens to be a professional photographer with his own unique sense of style. Read on to get an idea of what Glenn is all about.
ephotos: Where are you based Glenn?
Glenn Glasser (GG): Hiya ephotos - thanks fer the interview. I am based out of NYC.
ephotos: When did you realize photography was your thing?
GG: We were traveling back from Gettysburg on a 5th and 6th grade field trip and we had one of those tricked out coaches with the plush seats and everybody tried to jam into the last 7 rows. It was a several hour car trip and we occupied our time with a harmless game of truth or dare. Things got a little crazy when roger gold was dared to French kiss Debbie Chenet and somehow I was there to capture all their glory with my Kodak disk camera. I got suspended for bringing in the photos the next week - the shots were pretty hot.
ephotos: Was there a photographer that inspired or influenced you?
GG: I’ll always be a lifetime fan of Robert frank and Bruce Weber and they’ve both encouraged me to follow my own voice - but as far as inspiration I have to give it up to the people. People who do the everyday - who wake up - who make it work - make us smile - and encourage us to be better. being a photographer has been a struggle because sometimes I listen to the point where taking the picture almost becomes secondary - but that’s where the fun and satisfaction is - finding individuals that are examples of the person we strive to be.
ephotos: What type or what style of photography do you shoot?
GG: For a while my friend Andrew was asked what kind of pictures he takes and without a beat would say something like “I used to be all about the horizontal - but I’ve made the transition to vertical pictures.” I’m really not sure what type or style is me - I just shoot.
ephotos: What type of equipment do you use?
GG: I’m a big believer in film cameras - and whatever is lying around usually is the preferred equipment du jour. Contax, Hasselblad, Rolleiflex, Polaroid (I miss you Poli). I really want a Littman 4x5 and I’ll be your friend forever. I do shoot digital from time to time - but film simply looks better. some people are all about mp3s, and sure they have their place - but there’s something magical when you hear a good vinyl record.
ephotos: What’s the worst thing that has happened to you during a shoot?
GG: Nothing really comes to mind as photography is all about adapting and making it work. I can always count on some chaos factor on a shoot - you just learn to deal and create something spontaneous and unexpected.
ephotos: You have some interesting features on your site. What do you say to editors that think these features are a distraction?
GG: Something that I learned very early in my career was to be honest with myself and true to my sense of style. People hire me for being me and I wanted a website that reflected the way in which I work and how I organize. My apartment is decorated with cork boards flooded with imagery and whatever interests at the time - my tables are carefully organized piles - negatives are shelved in film boxes - and cameras are sometimes hung on hooks. I’m a guy who assembles pictures with bulldog clips and has letterpress thank you note stationary and writes with a china marker - the site simply is who I am.
ephotos: Your photos are not manipulated or heavily “photoshopped”. Do you think photographers that alter the look and feel of their photos are negatively affecting photography?
GG: Not at all - photography is constantly evolving and technology is allowing artists to explore. I think what is happening through the advent of new technology is the next evolutionary step for the retoucher. Retouchers are the unsung heroes in the photography world. they make our images sing. It is becoming more apparent to creatives the importance of a good retoucher - and some, like Pascal - are achieving rock star status.
ephotos: Do you have a rep or agent?
GG: Sort of - ask me in a few weeks - we’re in the midst of negotiating. They’re super awesome and friendly and I think we can work well together.
ephotos: Where have you been recently?
GG: I travel a lot. Lemme just say that they make this inflatable neck pillow and it goes with me everywhere (I own three, just in case) - that - and my scarf - which I wrap around my head to cover my eyes and sleep on the plane.
Places I’ve been in the last couple of months: Austin, TX, Sun Valley, Idaho, Fire Island, NY, Montauk, NY, Greensburg, PA, Cleveland, Ohio, Guermes Island off the coast of Anacortes, Washington, San Francisco, Tampa, Palm Beach, London, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Madrid, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Toronto, Niagara Falls, (Canada - your view is much better) somewhere in Kansas (no offense Kansas, sorry), Boulder, CO, Jacksonville, FL, Asheville, NC, somewhere rural in Tennessee, Bentonville, AR, and somewhere in Mississippi.
Oh - I leave for Ohio, Texas, and somewhere two hours outside of New Orleans next week.
ephotos: Do you ever just shoot for fun?
GG: duh - always.
ephotos: Do you deal with any stock agencies?
GG: I heart photoshelter.
ephotos: Do you feel like you’re being treated fairly by your agency?
GG: Yup.
ephotos: What do you think will be the next big trend in the photo industry?
GG: Besides the rock star status of the retoucher and the over saturation of the blog - I think the video will be the next evolutionary step for photographers. We’ve all been making flip books for years - the new digital cameras are allowing photographers to experiment with different formats and create reels.
ephotos: Do you use a resource site or publication, other than ephotos?
GG: Been a loyal fan of Altpick, PDN, and Le Book for years.
ephotos: What are you working on next?
GG: I’ve always admired individuals who have overcome, persevered, and have accomplished. I love to place these individuals on pedestals for others to look up to and admire. I am currently working with a company on a campaign that will use real people and showcase not only the clothing and style, but bring into context their personal triumphs and success stories.
ephotos: Is there anything else you’d like to say about yourself or your work?
GG: Photography is one of those professions where you gotta lay it on the line every time - always shoot as if it’s your last. There’s really no guidebook to becoming a photographer and it’s certainly a struggle. I usually don’t sleep much and am always spending way too much time in airports - feel free to shoot me a line.
ephotos: Thanks Glenn! We appreciate you spending some time with us. Keep the focus!
Web: www.glennglasser.com
Posted in: Features, Interviews, Photographers
