Photographing the Sculptures

In this film, Fred Picker photographs the sculptress Judith Brown on location at her home and Atelier. Brown’s unique way in creating her art form is quite interesting for Picker, and a good way to capture the essence of her work and person. Her sculptures are made from such peculiar and ingenious items such as, twisted steel, mangled metal, automobile rims, license plates, roof ventilators, and even a front end of a Volkswagen Bug.

The location is Vermont and Picker describes it at as a place like no other seen by him before, with sprawling gardens sprouting statues of metal and steel. For a novice or professional, this is definitely a stark scene of contrast worth beholding.

As Picker notes in this film” It is his job as a photographer to do what feels strong and right, otherwise he won’t do it well.” Once again Picker creates subtle portraits of juxtaposed images of brash objects, together in a flowing and iconic portrait sitting of Judith Brown. Picker believes the first picture in such a portrait sitting is usually the best. And he was right. He places Brown in elegant, almost regal poses, amidst all those steel statues. We are enchanted by the results, as Picker humbly explains the logic behind his passion and what excites him.

Technically accurate, Picker gives us even more insight to what equipment and methods he uses. For instance, the 210 mm lens, turned slightly on its vertical access has a very effective outcome for Picker. These are the quiet tips one could only learn from a master.

Internationally celebrated photographer, Fred Picker will be long remembered for his photographic work. Picker’s wide, sweeping wilderness landscapes and intimate studies of natural forms have been held up alongside the work of Ansel Adams, Paul Strand and Edward Weston.

Picker was involved in the manufacture of 4 x 5 and 8 x 10 large format field cameras. And his filters, camera designs, tripods and other photographic aids are still considered indispensable tools of the trade by photographers. He taught a highly successful photography class known as "The Zone VI Workshop," and authored a book by the same name that has become recognized as the golden standard of photographic instruction.

His uncanny sense of "photographer's intuition” and his passion for the art was a unique combination. Always opinionated and oft times controversial, his dedication to large format photography was unsurpassed. Many called Picker’s straightforward approach to the relationship between the "scene" and the final print, pure genius. But Picker himself had a more grounded approach to encouraging his students and other photographers. Picker will always be known for saying, "If you want to know what happens with this or that, don't ask me ... test it." That phrase was simple, but it made perfect sense to the many who have followed his wise advice.

With a love for the photographic art form, his contributions to photography as an educator, equipment designer/manufacturer, writer and artist, Picker was a true Pioneer that improved the field of photography.

Picker once wrote, on the occasion of Ansel Adams’s passing away, to "lift a glass to him, he would appreciate that". That’s Picker: always thoughtful, always caring.

Fred Picker, 1927 - 2002

*Special thanks to Calumet Photographic USA for making this film available to FotoTV