Introducing Ramsey Walcher

Website: http://www.ramseywalcher.com/
Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ramseywalcher

1. Tell us how you found your way into photography.

When I was eight years old, I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to be an artist like the great Vincent Van Gogh. I took art classes every year, and when I was 15 I took my first photography class and instantly fell in love. I started out using an old Kalimar Film Camera. Later that year I got the Canon Elan 7, which had the amazing eye-tracking system. I was so excited about that camera. But I did not begin to pursue photography as a career until my Freshman year of College at the University of Oklahoma. Photography is something I can not live without.

2. How do you classify yourself as a photographer?

For me, photography is an Art. It has been called an art of observation. Sometimes it is a depiction of reality, but mostly it is a way of expressing myself or an expression of reality in that moment. I am always taking pictures, whether in my head or with my camera; it is a way of finding myself.

I have always described myself as a diverse photographer. I mostly do portraits. I enjoy fashion and taking photos of bands and live shows. I have photographed weddings, and I have done commercial work as well as fine art. But my true passion lies in travel and photographing cultures, landscapes, cities, and people where they live. This is what makes me never want to put my camera down. This is my dream, to travel the world and capture life and its surroundings in its purest form.

3. Describe to us a typical week in your life.

My life is so unpredictable right now, which keeps it somewhat entertaining. Right now I am photographing just about anything and everything just to survive. My husband is a full time musician, and we live in my mothers basement, so we can work towards pursuing our dreams and saving money. Every week is different, but I always have a few photo shoots, I spend time editing and working in my home studio, and I always like to take time out for myself to be creative. I love to experiment with old film cameras that still work, pin hole photography, and using my “Toy Cameras” to create unique images.

4. What is your favorite subject matter?

My favorite subject matter is travel and different cultures.  To capture life, the people there, and their surroundings. While being in a foreign city, I love to capture people living their lives.  I want to look into their eyes, and I want to know them. I want to capture their way of life, I want to capture their stories, and the reality of their lives through my photographs.

5. How do you approach a photo shoot?

Approaching a photo shoot depends on the subject. If I am photographing children and families, I know I have to work fast and take as many photos as I can. If it is a live show, I do a little research on the venue and the band, and when the band starts playing, I really just rely on the music to bring out my creativity. With everything I photograph I look for inspiration, I see what I want and I do everything I can to reproduce what I see in my head.

6. Can you share with us a memorable experience from your career? A special moment, or favorite shoot?

I would have to say there have been a few experiences that have defined me as a photographer. The first being my trip to Paris when I was 17. I went with my family and fell in love with the city. I wanted to travel everywhere after that trip. The second was my trip to Italy when I was 20. I went for two weeks for a religious studies program. It was during a difficult time in my life, and being able to go and photograph things I had never seen was very therapeutic for me. I took so many photos and felt something awaken in me that I had not felt before. This past year, I had the opportunity to travel again. I went to Thailand to work with women who were living in Safe Houses. It was so very surreal to be there. God opened a door for me, and I chose to walk through it. I took thousands of photos, and every night I went to bed with visions of Thailand running through my head. My camera was with me from sun up until I went to bed. I wanted to capture anything and everything. All were memorable experiences.

7. Do you think being from (or working in) Oklahoma has influenced your artistic vision? If so, how?

Most definitely. I love Oklahoma. Sometimes I get the feeling there are so many people who do not like it here and want to move. But I have lived here the majority of my life, and I have always been inspired by how beautiful Oklahoma really is. When I first started out in photography, that is what I did. Whether it was in my own backyard or at an Oklahoma lake, I tried to capture the beauty of Oklahoma. There are plenty of times now, that I go for a drive, to take pictures of Oklahoma Scenery. It moves me, it inspires me, it gets my juices flowing.

8. How have you benefited from being part of a creative community (workplace, classroom, associations, etc.)

I love to be surrounded by other photographers. We learn from each other, we have discussions, we watch each other grow as photographers and artists. It is always fun to work with people who all have the same passion that I do.

9. What is your vision of the future of the industry?

I am an artist. I really do not spend time envisioning the future of the industry as much as I embrace the new technology that is being released at such a rapid rate. The advance of technology is mind boggling. What we have at our fingertips is truly amazing. This industry, coupled with computerization, is wide open.

10. What is the vision of your future?

One of my favorite quotes from Vincent Van Gogh is, “I am still far from being what I want to be, but with God’s help I shall succeed.” This is so true to me. Ultimately, I am not in control of my life, God is. For that reason, I have no doubt in my mind that my goals will become reality. I want to be pushed and driven to do things that I may have never seen myself doing. To me the possibilities are endless. Life is an adventure with excitement and uncertainty. I hope to live selflessly and compassionately, and to grow in excellence and intensity.

11. Can you lend some advice to young photographers?

My advice is to do anything and everything to make a name for yourself. Eventually you will find what you are truly passionate about. I’m still learning this, but do not let yourself be defined by anyone else. Do this for yourself. No one can assess your significance by looking at the work you do. People will love your work, some will dislike it, others will not care either way. Do not let that phase you. Take pride in yourself, and the work that you do; that is really all that matters.