1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
Hi! I'm Andrew West. How did I get into photography? I was walking on the streets of Seattle! I was given an assignment: go into the streets of Seattle and find humanity. So I walked onto the streets and I did find humanity, but I also found a lot more. What I saw was the human faces behind what we call humanity; the faces, the individuals. I saw the eyes, the faces, the smiles, the grimace, and I recorded everything as I saw it, without judgment. I knew in that moment that photography was what I was meant to be doing. There was an exhilaration and excitement to be recording moments of life just as they were, and more than that, the ability to record and capture the truth, so that others might see it, especially in places where they cannot go, or fear to go themselves. And then, the final wave of the magic wand for me was walking into the darkroom and seeing the image magically appear in the developer, right before my eyes.
Time has passed, and I have, and continue to have the camera by my side, and I have now come upon the opportunity to once again be an observer and capturer of the truth, in an unbiased and non-judgmental way. For me, to be able to show equally the emotion and passion on both sides of an argument is what a true photographer does. As photographers, we go where the inspiration takes us, excited to be capturing life where we can, whether a lunar eclipse in the middle of a foggy night, a riot on the streets of Los Angeles, or society: in the throes of heavy discussion, deciding the next course of humanity.
As for me, and my passion for photography, it is most rewarding when I can capture realistic, true portrayals of humanity and the human condition. When I am engaged in my work, it is of the utmost importance to have my images balanced and free of distracting elements so that I am getting the most powerful image to the observer, and one that shows diversity in an unbiased and true light.
2Where did you study photography?
I studied Fine Art Photography at the University of Louisville, in Louisville, Kentucky, and also Commercial Photography at the Art Institute of Seattle.
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
My first shot was actually a shot of a rake and the shadow it cast on a wall, which was a photo to illustrate 2D design. My professor was pleased and during critique stated it was a great example of photographic design.
4What equipment do you use?
Currently, I use a Canon 7d Mark ii DSLR.
5What do you hope to achieve?
To become well known as an accomplished photographer in many different areas, and continue to grow in both my knowledge and expertise.
6What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
The compliment that has inspired me the most was a recent comment by my photo director at the Legislative Research Committee, in which he congratulated me on a job well done shooting the most recent Legislative Session, and also told me I excelled from the previous year and even caused him to push himself to do more as a photographer.
7What inspires your unique storytelling?
The main inspiration for my unique storytelling is the fascination with the interplay of darkness and light in a scene. I am excited by dramatic light, and how it lends to the overall composition of a photograph.
8What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Drama, composition, and feeling.
9Congratulations! As the winner of the European Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
It is a great honour to win in one of the categories for the European Photography Awards. On winning, and perusing through the other entries I feel humbled to be in the company of so many excellent photographers. All of the work I witnessed was very exquisite.
10Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 European Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
I considered entering a photograph of an editorial nature, as most recently that had been what I have focused on, but the photo I submitted had a special place in my best photos, especially in the uniqueness of how it was captured. Film was my first love, and what initially won me over to be a photographer, and so the fact that this was one of my best, using infra-red film, I focused on this one alone.
11How has winning an award developed your career?
Winning an award has given me even greater impetus to further put more of my work into the public eye so that it is more and more readily noticed, and also it feels like a bit of a nudge from spirit, to carry on forward strongly in what I love to do most.
12Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
1. Margaret Bourke-White, who, in my opinion, was a true master of Composition. Even though she no longer is alive, she is still my muse.
2. Ansel Adams, for his breathtaking and masterful landscapes in black and white.
3. Annie Liebowitz, for her portraiture, and ability to bring out feelings in them that are especially unique.
13What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
From my professor, a very accomplished professional in both New York and Louisville, Suzanne Mitchell, who said to me one day, "Always keep your camera with you."
14What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
My advice would be, "If it truly gives you joy, do everything you can to stretch your limits, and always strive to be an even better and better photographer."
15What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
To quote my favourite photographer:
"Saturate yourself with your subject and the camera will all but take you by the hand." by Margaret Bourke-White.
16How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
It comes naturally as it is what I love to do. I thirst to be better and better each day I have a camera in hand.
17Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Just that I am very grateful for this accomplishment and to be in the company of such fine people. Thank you for this great opportunity!