Through the eyes of the beholder

 

Local photographers we found online and loved.

I’ve only lived on the Island for a few months, but I have seen my fair share of Island photography. Though there is a plethora of talented photographers and artists on the Island I have been drawn to a handful of local photographers who illustrate Martha’s Vineyard in a unique way: Tyler Hathaway, David Welch, Paul Doherty, and Benjamin McCormick. Each of their styles are one-of-a-kind and distinctive.

 

Tyler Hathaway
Every time I scroll through Instagram, I stop when I see one of planet_mv’s — Hathaway’s username — photos. It may be because I am interested in astrophotography myself, but his star trail photos, which often feature Edgartown Harbor Light or the Lucy Vincent Beach rocks, always take my breath away. Seeing what he’s able to achieve with a camera and a tripod inspires me to go out and try it for myself.  –G.M.

How long have you lived on the Island?

I’ve lived on the Island basically my entire life, with the exception of four years in Los Angeles.

When did you start getting into photography?
I started getting into photography in early 2015, so I’ve been going at it for four-plus years.

What inspires you when taking photos?

I’d say my biggest inspiration for taking photos is just nature. The camera can capture things in nature that sometimes the eye can’t exactly see, like the stars in the night sky, for example. Also, as a photographer living in a beautiful place like Martha’s Vineyard, it’s hard not to be inspired every time you look out your window.

What are some techniques you use to achieve what you want in your photos?
I guess my favorite technique, and the technique I use most, would be long exposure. It’s the best way to create movement and enrich colors in photos. Whether it’s moving water or really long exposures of the stars moving in the night sky, [that’s] definitely my favorite technique.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists or photographers?
The best advice I could give anyone who’s considering photography, or is new to it, is just get out there and be creative. The more you go out and take shots, the more chances you have of getting the perfect one. Also, think differently. Don’t try to be like everyone else, and trust your eye.

Look for Tyler Hathaway’s photos on Instagram. His username is planet_mv.

 

David Welch
David Welch is a well-established Island photographer who photographs weddings, families and portraits, and events. What makes him stand out is his aerial drone photography. To fly a drone, you must be a certified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) remote pilot, which is partly why this is such a rare and interesting perspective. He uses his drone for weddings, real estate, surveying, and engineering uses, but he also gets opportunities to be more creative with the drone.G.M.

How long have you lived on the Island?

I have lived on the Island on and off my entire life. I grew up in Florida, but summered here and moved back to MVY/Boston in 1998. I’ve been around here since 2002 more permanently.

When did you start getting into photography?
Photography was more of a hobby until about 2004, when I traveled through Latin America for nine months. I fell in love with its storytelling potential, and I’ve been hooked since.

What inspires you when taking photos?

I pretty much love the entire image-making process. I often make images, but do nothing with them, sort of like Garry Winogrand in that regard. I often revisit old work to inspire new work. Working with new technologies, drone, digital, etc., is exciting, but I still have an analog workflow, using large-format cameras (4×5, 8×10) to make images. I sometimes even use my pinhole cameras. Whatever feels right. During the summer, my focus is commercial work, however. Sometime in the future I hope to have more of a local gallery presence.

What are some techniques you use to achieve what you want in your photos?
I don’t like to do a lot of post-production to my photos. I try to keep the colors neutral, maybe a touch saturated. It’s often a mix of lightroom, custom color profiles, and image tinkering. When I scan film, I try to keep the properties of the film intact.

What advice do you have for inspiring artists/photographers?

Follow your passion and instinct, and work your butt off. Allow yourself to be inspired. Make informed work.

David Welch is on Instagram as dwpmv, and you can also check out his work at leftfork.net and dwpmv.com.

 

Paul Doherty
Paul Doherty’s photography has become a welcome distraction from political Facebook postings for Islanders, especially those on Islanders Talk, a Facebook discussion group for all things Martha’s Vineyard. He takes the mundane, grungy, and rusty, and turns it into thought-provoking abstract art. He is currently working on a few different photo series: One is “Found Art,” and another is called the “Bow” series, which is a newer addition to his work. –G.M.

How long have you lived on the Island?
Six years!

When did you start getting into photography?
Shortly after moving here, I was recovering from brain surgery and concentrating on taking photos. It actually helped my brain to heal.

What inspires you when taking photos?

I can’t paint, but I love abstract art, so when I approach taking a shot, I try to take it with a painterly eye.

What are some techniques you use to achieve what you want in your photos?
I try to approach every shot by saying that I’m trying to see what everyone else sees, but see it in a different way.

What advice do you have for inspiring artists/photographers?
I spoke before the Camera Club at the Vineyard Haven library last year, and most were curious as to what kind of camera I used. I told them it really wasn’t about the camera, but more about their eye for seeing a good opportunity. One of my very best photos was taken with my iPhone, as it was all that I had to use when the opportunity presented itself.

Look for Paul Doherty’s photography on Facebook.

 

Benjamin McCormick

How long have you lived on the Island?

I’ve been coming to the Island for 50 years, and have spent over half my life here. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

When did you start getting into photography?
I traveled to central Africa in 1985, and went to high school in South Africa the following year. I bought my first “real” camera for the trip, which I believe was a Nikon FA.

What inspires you when taking photos?

While my inspirations have fluctuated over the years, my general intent remains the same, which is to find, if possible, a new perspective on even the most simple of subjects. Over the years, I’ve found my interest has shifted from the clearly recognizable to riding the edge of recognition and the abstract. Currently, I’m shooting macro details of Island subjects found while beachcombing.

What are some techniques you use to achieve what you want in your photos?
I’ve been a diver for 30 years, and started out by photographing all of our local fish. I still shoot almost exclusively underwater, and find that the innate abstraction of the macro approach, combined with the punch that immersion lends colors (when shot in shallow/still water) is a great way to bring a little life and mystery into otherwise mundane subjects.

What advice do you have for inspiring artists/photographers?
Definitely find subject matter that you yourself love, then make your niche specific. It will translate in the end, if only by virtue of your constant attention and patience. Repetition is never boring when you see the beauty within.

See Ben’s work online at benjaminmccormick.com/

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