Interview with photographer Gregory Kramer

Interview with photographer Gregory Kramer

MonoVisions Black & White Photo Contest 2024

Gregory Kramer is a photographer based in New York City. He published his first book DRAGS in 2017. DRAGS documents NYC drag king and queen scene in classic black and white photographs. His follow-up project DOWNTOWN is a self published project documenting New York City’s downtown scene. Gregory draws his inspiration from the the people that make up New York City.

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

– How and when did you become interested in photography?

I became interested in photography when I picked up a camera for the high school yearbook. That was back in 1986 and from that moment on I knew I wanted to be a photographer. I quickly realized that documenting high school life would have a lasting impact on everyone photographed.

– Is there any artist/photographer who inspired your art?

I have always admired Irving Penn. Through lighting, composition, and trust of his subjects Penn has captured some of the worlds most memorable images. He effortlessly found the beauty in all the subjects he photographed making him one of the most sought out photographers of his generation.

– Why do you work in black and white rather than colour?

Black and white strips down the subject making the viewer focus on the personality of the photo. It also creates a timeless image without the distractions that can come along with a color photograph.

– How much preparation do you put into taking a photograph/series of photographs?

The past two bodies of work I have created have started with finding a subject that I was compelled to. Once that is decided upon I focus on lighting, composition and background.
Each session generally lasts around an hour. During the session we normally do a few rounds of shooting followed by looking at all the captures and selecting the final image together.

– Where is your photography going? What projects would you like to accomplish?

My photography will continue to document. The next project which is in its early stages and will continue to focus on New York city life and the people that make it up.

Website: https://www.gregorykramer.com

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer

© Gregory Kramer


MonoVisions Black & White Photo Contest 2024