BIOGRAPHY
I began my career as a photographer in 1985. I owe my career to an old friend,
Joseph Todd, who upon receiving one too many cameras by mail order, asked me "if I could
use one"? I of course accepted the free gift, and the rest is a history shown on these pages.
Most of my perspective is a mystery to me; I did get schooling from The New York
Institute of Photography; but the things that I choose to photograph occur naturally as
a result of the inspiration of the moment. Many things in my life have been inspiring, and
I now have the ability to show the individuals whom I'm fortunate enough to work
with how they, as unique spirits move me to that point of expression.
From the beginning I have felt that the model is the one who drives a photo session; yes
the photographer clicks the shutter, but oh how the model inspires the need for a response!
In each of the photos you see on these many pages the model is the one who created the
action that demanded my response-----with no inspiration------there wouldn't be any photo!
Those who know me to be a young man of 59, realize now that most of my life was under
the hood of someone's car. First with Volkswagen, and then with Porsche Cars of North
America for another nine years. Yes folks 'til I was 45 most of my life was as a mechanic
and later a manager of those who also choose to work on those very expensive little cars!
If there is anyone out there who doubts their ability to switch vocations in the middle
of their lives; let me say that I wouldn't have had it any other way. It's been a rocket ride!
I truly hope you enjoy the site; please email me with any comments or questions that
you may have about photography or anything related that you care about. You can reach
me anytime by just clicking on the "contact" on each page.
Thanks for giving me still another opportunity to reach a new and unique spirit!!
John Sunderland
I have found these words by Khalil Gibron to be inspirational; perhaps you will too.
All
these things you have said of beauty,
Yet
in truth you spoke not of her but
Your
needs unsatisfied,
And
beauty is not a need but an ecstasy.
It
is not the mouth thirsting nor an empty
Hand
stretched forth,
But
rather a heart enflamed, and a soul
Enchanted.
It is not the image you would see nor the
Song
you would hear,
But
rather an image you see though
You
close your eyes and a song
You
would hear though you would
Shut
your ears.
It
is not sap within the furrowed bark,
Nor
a wing attached to a claw,
But
rather a garden forever in bloom
And
a flock of angels forever in flight.
People
of Orphalese, beauty is life when life
Unveils
her holy face.
But
you are life and you are the veil.
Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in
A mirror.
But
you are eternity and you are the mirror.