One of my friends from photography college, Solomon Krueger has a unique approach to life and photography. For as long as I've known him, he's always been interested in the spiritual side of life. In his photography, he tries to bridge the gaps that often separate human beings. His work (to my eye at least) is about connection, intimacy, closeness, and taking the risk of getting to know someone better, of reaching out to someone. At the moment, I'm in Tokyo and Solomon is in Montreal, Canada. I'm working as a photographer, while Solomon is back in school, shaking things up at Concordia University's Loyola Chapel, and creating a place for people to come and practice various forms of spirituality. So without any further ado, here's my interview with Solomon.
How would you describe the photo business in Montreal?
Depends who you ask. The market is small and competitive. Digital and stock photography has lowered the demand for good photographers. Clients seem reluctant to go with new talent. If you have an agent, shoot weddings, or do corporate or advertising work then you probably are doing fine. Otherwise, Montreal photographers need to diversify and have other kinds of work to survive.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming photographers?
Know yourself and be honest! Figure out what you really love about photography. If you love taking photos because it’s fun, sexy and a great excuse to meet beautiful and/or interesting people, I would keep it as a hobby. But, if you see things others don’t, have a unique style and a story to tell, a way with words, and some business/marketing savvy, then you will want to do your homework. Know what you want to shoot, and where you can sell it. Then, shoot like mad, put together slick portfolios, and show it to everyone, learning and experimenting as you go. To do what you love, you have to be bold and fearless. To follow your heart, you have to sweat to shine!
Also, have a camera on you at all times. And let it become second nature, that you don’t even think about the camera when you shoot. Finally, when you shoot, learn not to shoot what the eye sees, but what the heart feels. Those will be your best images.
What inspires you?
Beauty in all its forms.
Light, as it brings life to the forms and spaces in between those forms.
People. They are infinitely fascinating. Each with their own story and world.
Water, Forests, Clouds, Streets at dawn.. The magical presence of stillness.
Spontaneity and authenticity. All things real and felt. In the vulnerability between subject and photographer, truth can emerge. Those are special moments that are created together.
What photographers and artists do you admire?
I forget names! I am into photographers and artists that engage people and involve them in the art work, that it is an active not passive process. This can be interactive exhibitions or social engagement in the streets through improvisation. When art is accessible and stirs us emotionally, and pushes us to rethink the place we live in, then it’s meaningful and I celebrate those artists!
What is your position on all the new technology for photographers, i.e. new digital cameras, post-processing software, applications, and gadgets? Is this valuable to you, does it help you in any way?
Like any technology, it can make things easier and take your work to another level. But it can also detract from the meaning you are trying to communicate. In fact, it can be void of meaning if technology is used for its own sake and not fused with meaning and purpose. At the end of the day, it’s the idea and purpose behind the image that makes it successful, not the gadgetry!
Where would you like to be in 10 years time?
I see myself supporting and empowering myself and others in the process of individual and collective transformation, for the purpose of consciously living our heart’s deepest truths and greatest potential. I am open to the form(s) this will take: consultant, life coach, facilitator, retreat organizer, hotel and spa owner in some paradise…
Healthy, authentic living… Always sharing and growing with beautiful, ecologically, socially, spiritually open-hearted people. I see myself being in nature often, travelling often, eating organic foods, doing yoga on beaches, smiling and laughing every day! (Besides the travel and yoga on beaches, I’m already living this!)
What is the craziest experience you've ever had while shooting?
It was discovering that I was not just taking pictures of people skydiving, but that I was going to have to jump too! It was a surreal experience that I am happy to be here to write about!
What are your thoughts on lighting? Do you light in a strategic, intellectual way, or a more instinctive way?
I use natural light as much as possible and reflectors if I need to. Flashes can add a lot to the picture but it’s best when you can’t tell that the flash has been used.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
Where there are no worries or concerns. It flows with lots of joy, freedom and deep breaths. Part of it is alone. Part of it is connecting with a lover or friends. Part of it is in nature somewhere. I am in the present moment enjoying the abundance and deliciousness of what life offers.
How do you view the connection between art and spirituality?
In my opinion, art is an expression of our deepest essence, our truth or spirituality.
On the Canadian 20 dollar bill, there is a beautiful quote by a famous Quebec writer, Gabrielle Roy, “Could we ever know each other in the slightest without the arts?”
How can we change the world around us?
Be the change! Transform yourself and you transform the world.
What is your favourite quotation?
There are many. Here is one:
Follow your bliss. –Joseph Campbell
