Artist James Hutchinson: Story behind the Photo
Artist to artist, eye to eye
I have always loved photographing people, capturing who they are, starting way back in the days when I was a newspaper photographer.
I was privileged recently to photograph artist James Hutchinson, for River Living Magazine. At age 88, Hutchinson is still going strong with his painting.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with him! I did my thing, going to scout his home beforehand to evaluate the lighting and give myself time to ponder the best approach, plus meet him and chat.
When I came for the photography, he had forgotten who I was and wondered what the photography was for. I told him the name of the magazine but also added, "National Enquirer!" which he thought was funny.
As I asked him to sit or stand in various spots and we rearranged the paintings a bit, he was patient. But he did seem to wonder why I kept moving around and changing my angles and lighting. Maybe he though I was a bit bossy.
I said, "I'm an artist too! Just a different kind--I capture people and who they are. I want to create great images of you and capture who you are. I care very much about what I do."
“What you do is nothing like what I do. You use a mechanical device.”
He said, "What you do is nothing like what I do. You use a mechanical device." Maybe a bit of scorn.
A younger me would have gotten flustered by that. Hurt even. But my more mature self found it to be interesting and I laughed and smiled. I knew he meant no harm. I kept at my quest of capturing him and his artwork. Knowing this was a gift, to be spending time with him and being the one who gets to create these images.
In the end, as I was photographing him, I could feel his respect for me increase. At one point, we both spoke at the same time, suggesting a painting be moved to a different spot, to fill the space better. We looked at each other and smiled with recognition.
I said, "See, we both have the eye. You create with a paintbrush and I use a camera. And it's all okay."
He nodded with a smile.
Go to www.hutchinsongalleries.com to learn more about James Hutchinson and his adventurous life.
For 20+ years as a family portrait specialist on Florida’s Treasure Coast, I have been known for relaxed portrait sessions at locations around Stuart, Palm City, Hutchinson Island, Hobe Sound, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach and all areas in between. I am not like most photographers these days because I believe your family deserves to be celebrated each day, as part of your home decor. When you work with me, we will collaborate in creating Fine Art Portraits of your family, which will live on your walls or in a custom-designed album or folio box and be remembered as one of the best investments you have ever made. In addition to creating portraits for families, I create headshots and personal branding images for business use. To learn more, go the the Dultmeier Photography homepage.