2007 Juror - Doug Beasley

Doug Beasley’s personal vision explores the spiritual aspects of people and place. His photography is concerned with how spirit is recognized and expressed in everyday life.  He received a BFA from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and has been exhibited and published both nationally and internationally.  Grants and commissions fund much of his personal work.  After opening a commercial photo studio in 1984, he presently photographs fine art based commercial assignments throughout the country and the globe for various graphic designers, publications, educational and non-profit clients and licenses use of his images through his online archives.  Doug’s extensive teaching experience includes numerous workshops worldwide and faculty positions with several Twin Cities colleges. Doug is also the founder and director of Vision Quest Photo Workshops, which emphasize heart, soul, and vision over mechanics of camera use.

Doug lives in a small wooden house in Saint Paul, Minnesota surrounded by trees, where he tends his Japanese gardens and listens to loud music. He is a lover of late night discussions and very strong coffee. Personal heroes include Jimi Hendrix and the Dalai Lama.

What I look for in a photo?

I look for photographs that have a sense of mystery, a deeper meaning or layers of meaning. The composition should be strong and purposeful, not haphazard. The intention or ‘voice’ of the photographer should come through. I look for a strong point of view rather than a ‘me too-I can shoot like that too’ visual attitude. I would rather see photos with a fresh perspective or an authentic voice than the same tired subjects redone. I would rather the photographer look deeper within his or her self and photograph from an authentic place of connection to the subject rather than copying past photo contest winners-which is a little like coloring inside the lines when you were a kid because you knew you might get praise. I would rather see a photograph that colors outside the lines or erases lines altogether.  Technical proficiency is good, but only when it serves the photograph’s purpose. Sloppy or shoddy craftsmanship can get in the way of an image’s intent yet technique should always serve the photographers vision not be the vision itself.  It should play a supporting role and then get out of the way. Ansel Adams said it perfectly, “There is nothing worse than a sharp photograph of a fuzzy concept.”  A compelling image may ask more questions than it answers. To me the best photographs show me not only what the photographer saw but what they felt. This is much harder to do but well worth exploring.