The Incredibly Creative Mind of Tony Sweet
The Incredibly Creative Mind of Tony Sweet
I met Tony Sweet when I signed up for his workshops in the Great Smoky Mountains, and then went on immediately to Charleston, SC to learn about infrared photography from him in 2016. HE BLEW MY MIND! I was a beginner and was just getting comfortable with my camera and Lightroom. He inspired me to go further, try more things, push color, and work the entire scene for hours. He is fascinating, clever, and full of ideas and energy. I was a changed human and found a freedom in my photography that I celebrate even today. Thank you Tony.
Last Fall, I was excited to drove up to the Great Smoky Mountains for the opportunity to see Tony and Sue. Couldn't wait to catch up, and maybe take a few images. He still has it! We spent some time in the mountains and talked nature, photography today, music, and where all this art may be going. I cherish my time with him and am grateful for his coaching and advice.
After returning from our visit, I knew I wanted to talk more and feature him here. Thank you Tony for opening up and sharing parts of yourself and your inspirational art!
All Images © Tony Sweet
Here is our Q and A!
L: Where are you from? How does it affect your photography today?
T: I was born in Baltimore, MD, a steel town and home of our great photographer hero, Aubrey Bodine. His “Choptank Oyster Dredgers” image, dark, moody, and B&W, made a lasting emotional impact on me and has remained impactful on my work to this day. My blue collar roots keeps me grounded and has helped me to connect emotionally with my work, regardless of subject.
L: What motivates you to create?
T: It appears to be subconscious with me. I’ll be doing any task and an idea will creep in and I will stop what I’m doing and start work on the idea. Happens all the time. It can be distracting.
L: What is your favorite time of day to create?
T: Early morning is my favorite time to photograph. Also, my favorite time to process/ create/ take a walk. It’s quiet, peaceful, meditative.
L: You also have a remarkable body of work in infrared. Can you tell us more about your infrared work?
T: From about 10 years old, I felt an affinity since first viewing an infrared image. I loved the mystery and other worldly appearance. I got serious about infrared about 30 yrs ago and got even more serious with the advent of converted digital cameras and advanced software. Today, about 65% of my work is 720 infrared. However, I am beginning to experiment with color infrared, using a large array of new color infrared filters.
L: What has been your special place to travel and how has it inspired your photography?
T: I find the Great Smoky Mountains a constant muse for me, a constant source of solace, introspection, and inspiration.
L: I have been a lucky participant to travel with you on a few workshops. Is there a favorite place you like to teach?
T: I feel the most free, teaching in places that we know the best, e.g. Charleston, SC, the Smokies, Acadia NP, Badlands NP.
L: How do you make yourself happy in your art today?
T: I’m immersed in thinking about, making, and processing images every day.
L: What are you goals for your future work?
T: To get better. To get simpler. To go deeper.
L: I have seen your incredible work in ICM, Multiple exposures, etc. and it has inspired me deeply for many years. When did this exploration into creative camera techniques start for you and how do you use it today?
T: I took a workshop with the great Freeman Patterson and had my first exposure to creative camera movement over 50 yrs ago. It consumed my time for a couple of years. Today, I use Creative Camera movement when photographing an appropriate image for movement or when just wanting a color/ movement abstract, sometimes to add as an abstract overlay.
L: What do you want to say with your art?
T: The Art speaks for itself.
L: What artists inspire you?
T: Freeman Patterson, Pat Ohara are my heroes, but now there are so many excellent photographers, I’m more influenced by great images, regardless of the photographer.
L: What is your favorite film?
T: I have no overall favorite, but a favorite is “Alien Nation.” (with James Caan)
L: What is your favorite sweet treat?
T: Snickers
L: What is your favorite song to sing in the car?
T: Anything by RadioHead
Tony thank you!!
Be sure to check out Tony's website and information on his workshops!
www.tonysweet.com/
Instagram: @tonysweetphotography
All Images © Tony Sweet
