7 days, 7 images on the World Photography Organisation Instagram feed.
#WPOfavs feature: @sephlawless
Publisher Author, Activist, Photographer and Huffington Post Photojournalist, Seph Lawless, is best known for his ongoing project entitled Autopsy of America, which documents the most abandoned and forgotten parts of the United States. Has worked with NBC News, Fox News, Guardian, Vice media and Inside Edition for television projects over the years.
Hi Seph. Tell us about the images we featured on the @worldphotoorg feed. Do you have a favourite and why?
My favorite is the image titled 'Three killed, One Deadly'. There was just something truly creepy about that place and was taken just after sunset.
Why photography?
I think in today's world people are distracted more than ever and I think social media plays a big role in that disconnect between Americans and the reality that surrounds us. Ever since I've wanted to shove as many of my images into as many peoples faces as I possibly could. Sometimes words aren't enough, so I started taking photographs.
What are you trying to say with 'Autopsy of America: The Death of a Nation'?
I want Americans to see what is happening to their county from the comfort of their suburban homes and smart phones.
Do you have a photographic philosophy?
Treat your digital camera as if it were a film camera. Don't take a shot just because you can. Wait for the right shot. Film used to be very expensive. Photographers like me that grew up with film are a dying breed. You were taught to be incredibly patient and that wasn't always by choice. It was a survival mechanism. Kids today take digital photos like it's a machine gun then get home and desperately search for a few good shots. As a result, they end up spending most of their time editing inside than being outside shooting. I might spend hours inside an abandoned place just waiting for the sun to rise or fall accordingly just to take my first shot and that's because of my philosophy and deep respect for the art of photography.
