Arthur Meyerson

Photographer Q & A

Describe the moment or event that inspired your decision to become a photographer.

Besides being inspired by the work of photographers like Weston, Cartier-Bresson, Frank, Penn and Haas, and like most photographers of my generation, I think the first time I saw the image come up in the developer, sealed the deal for me.

What is your favorite photography tip to share with other photographers?

Avoid preconceptions. That way you're less likely to be disappointed by what you don't find and more open to what is actually there.

Favorite photography book and why?

I have a big collection of photography books. But the two that set me on my course were Henri Cartier-Bresson's The Decisive Moment and Ernst Haas's The Creation. Cartier-Bresson's book defines the photographic moment in terms of geometry while Haas's book redefines color photography.

Most unusual item you keep in your camera bag?

A small flashlight. If you're out working on location in the dark or lose power in your hotel room, it's nice to be able find your way around.

What's the best advice you ever received from a fellow photographer?

Always carry your camera. If the light looks good in front of you always be sure to look in the opposite direction too (both credited to Jay Maisel).

Name a geographical place that you'd love to return to or go to for an assignment.

In my career, I have had the good fortune to have traveled to over 90 countries on all 7 continents. This past year alone included Iceland, Antarctica and Greenland.

If you could publish a book on any photographic subject, what would it be?

My book The Color of Light was just published this year. It's a collection of some of my favorite personal images… some iconic and many that have never been published before, from the past 40 years. The photographs included are examples that I use in my workshop by the same name to illustrate ideas and concepts to my students.

What's in your camera bag right now?

Cameras: Nikon D800, Nikon D700 and Leica M9.

Lens-wise and depending on what I may be shooting, I have the following: Nikon- Zooms: 70~200mm F2.8, 35~70mm F2.8, 20~35mm F 2.8 and my current favorite 28~300 F4.5/5.6. Fixed focal lengths- 16mm F 2.8, 18mm F2.8, 28mm F1.4, 50mm F1.4, 60mm micro F2.8, 85mm F1.4 and 300mm F2.8. And for the M9 a 35mm F2.

Besides the cameras and lenses I carry, a couple of G Tec backup drives, cards and card readers, a cable release, extra batteries and matching chargers, lens cloths.

What do you love about your Lowepro bag(s)?

Lowepro bags are so well thought out. Not only for their unique sizes and configurations but with the real needs of a photographer. Not only do they protect the gear, they are made of the best materials for strength and durability as well as comfort for the photographer.

See Arthur's work on his web site and find out about upcoming workshops. You can keep up with his travels on his blog and purchase his new book.

Arthur's Lowepro gear includes: