From the
Editor
“Your photography is a record of your living, for anyone who really sees. ” –Paul Strand
Everyone who’s ever gotten close to me will agree on a few things: I love my family, I drive like a maniac, and I’ve got a pretty big ego. That’s why, when we first started this magazine, it was tough for me to swallow the first compliment anyone would ever pay me about the magazine: “I love the pictures!” It was literally the only part of the magazine I didn’t do — that was Adam Jones’ gig. I’d slave for hours writing all the stories, designing all the ads, laying out the magazine, and people always led with, “I love the pictures!” Always. I did take pride in knowing that I’d shaped the magazine, realizing that the concept had worked. I knew the power of an image, and I knew first-hand the power of vanity: people liked looking at pictures, but they LOVED looking at pictures of themselves. So, knowing this tic of human nature, we stuffed every magazine with pictures of people, preferably people with lots of friends. Right from the start, Adam Jones’ photos were exceptional and engaging. Luke Darigan, Luke O’Brien, Andrew Hutchins and Justin Muir have continued that trend. Whenever I travel to a new city, I always skim a copy of any free, local magazines. I can tell you, The WC Press always outdoes the competition with our photos. And yet, our readers know next to nothing about the guys behind those images. That had to change. In this magazine we feature eight fantastic local photographers, three of whom—at one time or another—have done work for The WC Press. The rest we found by accident, from referrals, and through responses to our social media. Are there some we missed? Of course. A few submissions we just didn’t have space for, a few came in a day or two too late, and I’m sure there are plenty we flat-out missed. Still, the issue you’re holding represents a remarkable collection of photography, all from artists with strong ties to West Chester. Best of all, at least for this month, we dragged them out from behind the lens and put their faces and their words on the page. We found out what they think about their work, how they’ve ended up where they are, and the struggles they’ve faced along the way. We felt it was time to turn the spotlight (or the strobe) on those who routinely offer it to others. And, while I doubt any of them are quite like me, I’ll bet that—down deep—they’re excited for a chance to be more than a one-line photo credit. I’ll bet they’re excited at the prospect of recognition. But then, maybe I’m the only one with a desperate need to feed my ego.
MAY 2015 THEWCPRESS.COM
11