Try and create images that can move people. Hopefully, if what you are producing moves you, it will hopefully move others as well.
I usually start with a basic image and then try combining with other images. Once I have something that interesting and evocative, I run the image through one of many editing apps that I have until I can actually feel the image in some way that I am creating.
RK :Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us, We’re excited to have you. Let’s have a jump into the past. What first attracted you to photography?
Mitch Miller : I remember being a young boy and going to the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. I saw Ansel Adam's "Moonrise over New Mexico" and it literally moved me and I wanted to be able to create and move people as well.
RK :How do you cultivate your vision?
Mitch Miller :By always staying fresh and up to date by focusing on Social Media for all the latest apps and techniques.
RK :What kind of photography do you mostly indulge yourself in? Why you prefer Black and White?
Mitch Miller :By removing color you bring the photo back to the human element.
RK :What is photography for you – a passion or a profession?
Mitch Miller :Photography is my passion and my obsession.
RK :Were you formally educated in photography, or are you self taught?
Mitch Miller :I am completely self taught.
RK :What is your photographic belief system? What rules (or lack of them) guide your process from idea to execution?
Mitch Miller :The photo has to move or tough you in some way. Like music, it has to touch your soul.
RK :What is your favorite image or series of images in your portfolio and why?
Mitch Miller :I do have some favorite images but that is always changing. Usually the newer ones move me the most because I feel I'm getting better and better as time goes on.
RK :When you have a vision you want to create, how do you solve the problem of how to do it? For instance, if you want to create a certain look or effect, where do you turn to learn new techniques? Do you learn by experimenting or turn to books or videos?
Mitch Miller : turn to Social Media for all the latest and greatest techniques and new editing apps that other photographers are using.
RK :How important is gear in your work?
Mitch Miller :I only use an Iphone and have done so for the past 5 years. I like having a camera on me 24/7 that provides ease and flexibility. I also find camera phones less intimidating when shooting candid work.
RK :What has been your biggest photography related challenge?
Mitch Miller :The biggest photographic challenge I have is to decide whether to go back to using a camera or sticking with my camera phone. For brilliance, sharpness and clarity, nothing actually rivals a camera.
RK :What is your view of our fast-paced digital world? Do you think that iPhoneography or similar is a benefit or a detriment to the photographic artist?
Mitch Miller :Camera phones put a very good camera easily into everyone's hands. I believe people that would never have picked up a camera and learned photography are now posting beautiful,talented work all over Social Media. Social Media and camera phones have turned people into artists.
RK :Long exposure B&W is a totally off-beat stream to venture into, very few would dare to attempt and make it successful. I am sure there must be a lot of trial and error before freezing the style that you have developed. Is your style frozen now or is it still evolving ?
Mitch Miller :My style is constantly evolving. As I get more proficient with the editing apps the more confident my work has become.
RK :There is something peculiar about light in your pictures that make very simple compositions stand out strongly. What is that one spice in your recipe ?
Mitch Miller :The one spice in my recipe is contrast! Contrast is where it's at especially with Black and White Photography!
RK :Every picture of yours seems to be a well thought of creation. We would like to know what goes into the conceptualizing process of every frame you decide to create ?
Mitch Miller :It's really an evolutionary process... I usually start with a basic image and then try combining with other images. Once I have something that interesting and evocative, I run the image through one of many editing apps that I have until I can actually feel the image in some way that I am creating.
What is that one thing you recommend / advise to aspiring photographers who look up to you for motivation ? For all those who are in awe of your pictures ?
Mitch Miller :Try and create images that can move people. Hopefully, if what you are producing moves you, it will hopefully move others as well.
RK :We (Retro Kolkata) are trying to build one single stage for all the artists, because we believe that artists are the most beautiful creation of God and geographical boundary can never break their unity and harmony. Please say something about our initiative and any special message for your followers.
Mitch Miller :Retro Kolkata is an umbrella for all kinds of art and passion... I believe they are trying to bring the world back together again through art.
Follow Mitch Miller on Instagram
