© Clinton County Arts Council
7 West Main Street -
I recently had the privilege to interview, for this first “Meet the Artist” article, Mr. Bill VanKirk. Bill is a member of the Clinton County Arts Council and he has a number of photographs on display. Bill is what I call an“old school” photographer. All of his pictures are straight out of the camera, unedited and simply beautiful. He has an eye for composition and his pictures clearly reflect that. He prefers outdoor scenes but delights in macro shots which are photographs take at a very close range. His gear is a PENTAX 35 mm camera, a tripod and 200 speed film. He carries a small point and shoot Canon camera for an occasional quick shot. He gets his images developed in Lewisburg and is ever ready to stop the car and take a few pictures on the way.
Bill has a gleam in his eyes when he talks about taking pictures. The thought of going places that are out of the way, difficult to get into, or an easy drive by, makes no difference to Bill, which ever he chooses his pictures tell a story of his travels, his likes, his passion. His motivation is the “thrill” of the capture. Bill will travel up to 70 miles just to take pictures. He shoots mostly in color, but he loves a true black and white picture, as Ansel Adams is one of his favorite photographers. I asked Bill “what makes a good photograph?” He simply stated, “If I like it, then it’s good.” It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to stir up some kind of emotion within. He told me he has been doing photography for so many years even while working at Piper Aircraft. Bill was born in Muncy, Pa and moved to Lock Haven when he was in third grade. He still lives in Lock Haven and is a very active man.
You can view and purchase Bills photographs including the framed picture he is holding at the Clinton County Arts Council located on Main Street, Lock Haven. In closing I have to say that Bill’s work is about simplicity. I enjoy his work very much and I have to say that “old school” is a good thing.
By: Sandy Considine