"Light Of An Ink Dark Moon" With Fred Zafran

Multiple Exposure Gallery (MEG) is featuring the work of its newest members -- Soomin Ham, Tim Hyde and Fred Zafran -- through March 24th. The show's images reflect the three photographers' very different ways of seeing and interpreting the world around us. 

In the show, Fred Zafran offers a new selection of images from his series, Light of an Ink Dark Moon. Below, Fred shares some thoughts about his work and his fascinating portfolio of street photography.

                                                                  (c) Fred Zafran

The title of your show is “Light of an Ink Dark Moon.”  This is intriguing.  Tell us a little more. In “Light of an Ink Dark Moon,” I share a new portfolio of work captured in the “venerable tradition of street photography.”  The images are an inquiry into the contemporary urban landscape… a response to the uncertainty and wariness of the city if you will.  Beyond the depicted image however, this work is about the shadow and illumination that give emotional dimension to the image.  Darkness is the color of ink… and the canvas upon which light reveals and imparts meaning.

Share with us your approach to image making, and the major influences on your work. I have found a strong resonance with the black and white images of Ray Metzker, Josef Sudek and Fan Ho, and the color photography of Sam Abell and Alex Webb – all reflective and multilayered in emotional content and depth.  I owe much to Sam Abell with whom I studied recently. He helped me understand the importance of “finding the setting first” and then remaining open to the (anticipated) story that follows.  It is clear that the principal barrier to image making is our readiness to receive… to see and to be moved by the world around us. 

                                                             (c) Fred Zafran

The quality of your prints has gained notice and attention.  What is your way of working? As photographers, the print is the full realization of our artistic intent.  All of my images are captured digitally with careful consideration given to light, shadow, darkness and color as key structural elements.  I work to quietly “illuminate” the subject without closing down the shadows or losing detail in the brightest elements of the image.  Very little post processing is required.  The resulting image is printed using pigment inks on the very highest quality fine art archival paper.

You are the Multiple Exposures Gallery newest member.  After a year’s time, what are your thoughts? Impressed… and very grateful for the opportunity to be part of this group.  MEG is a well-known exhibition venue, one of the oldest photography cooperatives in the

                                                              (c) Fred Zafran

region, and includes some of the DC metro area’s most respected photographers and educators.  I am honored to part of this organization, and to be associated with so many dedicated and talented individuals.  A wonderful group of people!