A Zen Eye Photograph : Eric McCollum

Introducing Eric McCollum from Washington DC.

I am a photographer based in the greater Washington, DC area in the United States.  

I began taking photographs as a child and studied photography briefly in college in the ‘70s but left it behind as other pursuits took my attention.  During that time, however, I had the amazing experience of taking a course in the History of Photography from Beaumont Newhall, then teaching at the University of New Mexico.  It was a wonderful chance to touch the very roots of American photography.  

About 7 years ago, I came back to the camera as I was searching for a creative outlet.  I specifically decided to concentrate on the nude figure, there is the mystery of the nude, the performance of the shoot, and the wonderful intersection of light and skin.  I like to think my images have to do both with form and intimacy.  I collaborate with my models, they inspire me and I want some essence of who they are to linger in what we create together.  

Eric's favourite images

I was inspired years ago by an image of Wynn Bullock’s – a nude girl sitting in meditation pose on a beach with the sea foam coming in to create patterns around her.  I never forgot it.  Beth in the water is my homage to that image from my past.  I love the chaotic flow around her as she sits still.

Meditation Model: Beth Caldwell

I have found the selective focus of the Lensbaby often fits my vision.  I like the tones and texture the Lensbaby gives to this image.

Nude with Black Flower
 Model: Katileania

I was drawn to the mystery of the pale figure emerging from the shadows in this image.  Shot beneath the trees beside a stream just before a thunderstorm.

By the Stream

 Model: Zinn Star

Another image shot beside a stream, this time with the wonderful model Rhus.  We in the Washington DC area in the US are truly blessed to have so many fine figure models available to us.  I like the emotion in this image and how Rhus’ gaze is turned out of the frame.

I don’t only work in natural light.  I find the studio is also a wonderful arena for my work with a feeling of intimacy that locations sometimes don’t provide.  In this image, I was playing with the tone and texture of the stark white dried blossom against the background of the figure in shadow.

Model: Katileania

There is something interesting about the masked nude figure . . . the contrast of anonymity and exposure.  Rhus’ pose brings a hint of dark energy to the image.

Sometimes it’s fun to play a little on the glamour side of things.  Katlyn Lacoste is a terrifically versatile model and we had fun one day with  the white plastic chair.

Model: Katlyn Lacoste

Cocoon Series #17
 Model: Rhus

My latest project is the Cocoon Series.  The prop is a nylon body cocoon that lends an air of mystery as well as a sculptural space to the body.  This image was lit from a single window in an old warehouse.  As with much of my work, the figure emerging from deep shadow draws my eye.