"Photography is such an overwhelming tool that you can get totally lost and involved in it. It can become your whole life. It's magic." -Billy Name, interview, 1997

I began taking pictures with my father's camera. I photographed simple things that a child finds revealing and mysterious. By the time I moved to Akron, OH, from the east side of Cleveland, in 1999, photography had become more than just a tool. It became the very essence of my life.

No one photographer inspires me. I have had many mentors, whether they have realized it or not. My earliest inspiration came from Bill Allard, Richard Avedon, and Ansel Adams. I refined my abilities under the tutelage of Frank Prpic, David Thum, and Dr. Bruce Cline. More would come during my time at Western Kentucky University. During my early career, I made a point to learn from professionals themselves, including Martin Schoeller and Eric Hanson.

Photography has taken me many places. I have been covered in dirt documenting the fading legacy of African-American tobacco farmers in rural Kentucky, exploring the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal and even daring the elements during hurricanes in New Orleans. Everywhere I go, a camera has always been within reach.

As a professional and an artist, I am drawn to people. Whether it is the portrait, the exploration of our daily lives, our fashion, or the things we build, the human experience is why I am drawn to the camera.

In addition to my daily work, I am currently working on a series about the modern American landscape, a study of our industrial remains and the beauty they posses long after their purpose has been forgotten.

- Curtis DeGidio

//EDUCATION

Lakeland Community College
Western Kentucky University

//PROFESSIONAL LANDMARKS

Best Color Photography Portfolio - Lakeland Community College Nikon Best of College Photo - Honorable Mention Panoramics - Entry, Juried Show, Kirtland, OH

//CLIENTS

Diageo plc
4th Row Films
Southwest Airlines Spirit Magazine
Pace Communications
Lexington Herald-Leader
Surface Interval Clothing
BillD Right Construction
WKU Publications

All photographs
© Curtis W. DeGidio 2010.
About photographs
© Lulu Lopez and Eric Paskin