How would you describe your photography right now?

”Personal.” The past few years have been about focusing on what I want my photography to be, both in process and purpose.

I’ve narrowed down my tools to only two cameras; a Nikon 35mm with a 40mm lens, and a Fujica medium format with a 28mm equivalent lens. It’s freeing to know these cameras as well as I do right now. I can look at a scene, and before I even lift the camera to my eye, I know how it will look through the lens. It cuts out a lot of second guessing and uncertainty.

My subject matter has always encompassed nature and city, but weaving these two together has been both thrilling and frustrating. I want my photos to capture small moments and spotlight little things that might go missed. In every one of my photographs I try finding a way to relate to it myself and make it personal.

What initially drew you to Camera of the Month Club?

I had been living in New York City for a few years when I found CMC in 2019. I was working weddings, concerts, events, anything photo-related I could book. In contrast to how I’m feeling currently about my photography, back then I was struggling to find personal fulfillment in photography.

That first CMC meeting I attended, there were so many people showing work that meant so much to them personally, and everyone was kind and encouraging. It was eye opening for me to see all the ways members were using photography these deeply personal stories. It set me on a completely new trajectory with my work.

What’s something you’ve learned about your photography since becoming a director?

I’ve learned that photography doesn’t have to be instant gratification. Digital platforms got us addicted to online acknowledgements, posting photos as soon as we take them, and looking for outside approval from strangers.

Since becoming a director, I’ve slowed down my photography practice. I’ll go months before revisiting my work, just to put some space between myself and the moment. When I return, I find that there is meaning that has developed over time, or wasn’t as obvious when I initially took those pictures.

What’s something small that’s made a big difference in your creative confidence?

Visiting galleries and museums, especially with friends and loved ones, has made a big difference in my confidence and creativity. We live in a great city for visual arts and I need to remind myself to take advantage of that more. I get caught in thinking about the ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ ways to make art. I’ll do a deep dive on a process, learn how certain artists did things, and get it stuck in my head that this is the correct and only way something must be done.

I’ve found that engaging with more art in person is a great way to break free from this thinking. There really are no rules when it comes to art. Talking this through with friends and artists I admire has been incredibly helpful for my creative process.

Share 5–10 images from your archive that excite you right now. What connects them?

These photos are all that I took within the last year, and as I mentioned before, I’m only just not revisiting them. I think this selection evokes a feeling of adventure and innocence. They might be vastly different visually, but I feel as though they are connected in story.

Member Spotlight: Charlie Lederer, Co-Director