Richard E. Watson: Behind the Lens

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story can make a difference in the lives of others.

Richard E. Watson

Richard E. Watson

I am an Atlanta, GA based fine art photographer. My work focuses on an abstract interpretation of people, places and things. It has evolved over a period of 40+ years and covers three stages of development; Early (mid 70s – late 80s), Intermediate (early 90s – 2016) and late (2017 – present).

The Galleries presented in my website cover a wide range of subject matter. I typically gain insight and inspiration from a range of ideas which culminate into visually coherent themes. Each Gallery provides a brief summation of my motivation for its creation (i.e., why, how, when and where the images were created). I am partial to vivid color particularly when such color is heavily contrasted against other elements within the scene. Also, the use of high contrast, odd scales and angular view perspectives lend an abstract quality to my work.

Significantly, all images presented in my Galleries are film based. I have used color reversal film for decades primarily for its inherent tonal range, color saturation, contrast and grain structure. Specifically, Fuji Film Provia and Velvia have met those requirements. Ilford’s Delta 100 remains my go to film for B&W. Working in film provides an enormously creative tactile experience. Specifically, it allows me to exercise my years of photographic knowledge, skill and experience that working in digital just doesn’t provide.

Body of work? In many ways I’m still searching. However, the journey continues in the sense that I am forever seeking something that I’ve not seen before. It is my way of continuing to work with intention and producing work that is both unique and hopefully inspirational to others.

Exhibitions:

Atlanta University/Robert W. Woodruff Library; Dedication Exhibition; April 1982

The Ninth Annual Atlanta Life Afro-American Art Competition and Exhibition; March 1989 (awarded First Place prize in photography and favorably noted by art critic Laura Liberman of the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC)

City Gallery East; Faces and Places; Exhibit ; "Nontraditional Portraiture & Landscape through the Contemporary Photographic Perspective"; March 1999 (awarded First Place prize in photography)

Atlanta Celebrates Photography; Portfolio Review; October 2000

Atlanta Celebrates Photography; Portfolio Review 2011

Atlanta Celebrates Photography; Exhibit; "Altering Attitudes" co-produced with photographer Natalie Jackson @ the Apache Café, October 2001

Atlanta Celebrates Photography (ACP 2021); On-line Exhibition; "Behind the Lens: How I See It"; September 13 - December 31, 2021

Hammonds House Gallery; "A Masterful Mix" Art Exhibition and Auction, April 2002

Artist Statement

As an artist, I fully understand and embrace photography as a legitimate art medium and  continually dedicated to its expansion. Photography has been a means for me to visually communicate my perspective about people, places and things and the relationships that often connect them.  


All Gallery Images Copyright rewatsonphoto.com and may not be reproduced or duplicated without the expressed written permission of the artist.