Earlier this month I posted a video which I found on vimeo. The video was a short documentary on blind photographer Pete Eckert. Since I posted that video I have noticed it popup on a ton of different photography sites. Anyway I am still in awe as to how he manages to get the shots he gets so couldn’t help myself to see if Pete would do the RAW interview.
Pete Eckert
Tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a guy with a smart dog. that other thing too: I’m totally blind.
What made you get into photography?
I was doing woodcuts. It was slow and I wasn’t getting enough feedback. I built another method through photography.
How did you get started?
I asked endless questions at a local store, camera Arts in Sacramento. Unfortunately they closed. Stores are closing fast and the economy is tough. I used the time-Life books on photography as a learning text. I ask a lot of questions and don’t mind criticism.
What sort of photography do you mainly do?
Cutting edge. You will never see my stuff over Grandmas couch: unless your grandma is very cool.
What gear are you using?
I always keep three cameras;small, medium, and large. I’ve retired my 35mm for a digital point and shoot cannon. It is a way to get my feet wet in digital. I have an old Mamia flex twin lens reflex. It is my work horse. for large I have a 4×5 Toyo view camera with a rodenstock lens.
What’s your favorite lens and why?
I only shoot with good normal lenses. They mimic my hearing.
How are you marketing yourself?
Not well enough. I need to have a better web site and a way to update it easily, peteeckert.com
What’s your favorite photo you have taken?
The bang for the buck I get is the –EVENT– not the product. So the favorite photo I have is the one I am always working on. Those in the past are nice but gone.
Note: Since Pete didn’t supply a favourite photo, I grabbed two so you can get a taste of his amazing work.
Advice for new photographers looking to go pro?
My advice isn’t for sighted photographers. As a blind guy I am pushing the edge of perception. Photography helps document this. sales fuel the fire.
Visit Pete Eckert – website
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tristan Jud, Mona Jud. Mona Jud said: Interview with Pete Eckert blind photographer http://t.co/duVv6cU via @tristanjud. Seen the video? Now read his new interview with Tristan [...]