2006 Juror - David Yamamoto

David Alan Yamamoto is the Art Labs Director at University of Southern California where he directs the photography and computer facilities for the School of Fine Arts.  He received his BA in Studio Art and Sociology from University of California, Irvine and his MFA in Photography from California Institute of the Arts.  He has taught courses and workshops at Pomona College, Otis College of Art and Design, University of Southern California, and UCLA Extension. He has been a photographer and artist for over twenty years, encompassing commercial as well as fine art practices.  His photographic work has been exhibited at University of California, Irvine, Los Angeles Children's Museum, Watts Towers Art Center, Euphrat Museum of Art. His work is also in the Japanese American National Museum's permanent collection.

What I look for in a photo? 

When viewing a photograph, I look for work that thoroughly engages the viewer. I believe clarity of thought and vision are essential and must be evident in the image regardless of the methods or techniques employed. To me, a photograph is a conscious effort by the photographer to provoke an emotional or intellectual response in the viewer. I tend towards images that exhibit visual specificity, thoughtfulness and a sense of individuality.