By M.Sebastian Araujo

Ever wonder how a good photograph happens? Skill? Luck ? Well, recently I had a chance to have a chat with Jim Austin and find out and was amazed how this chap creates these amazing works of ART!

How do you know just when to click the shutter?

(Laughing) . . it’s mostly a guess. Sebastian, that’s a good question Hmm, I am grateful there’s a connection between my finger on the shutter and my eyes, brain and lungs. I believe that photography is not as much about “when” to use the camera but more about “how to think, prepare and contemplate” before we even touch the camera. That’s part of it.The other part is that as a teaching photographer, I’m passionate about coaching, guiding and empowering others to print and create more authentic photographs.
Sebastian, I’d like to say that after reading about most of the talented artists you’ve interviewed for Speaking of Art, it’s a humbling feeling to be in this company.

What does Art mean to you?

When I lived in Kyoto, Japan and studied photography and Japanese ceramics, I was awakened to SLOW PHOTOGRAPHY. I am a founder of the Slow Photography rebellion movement, which means taking time, going deeper, and giving back.
So, I try to use my photography to help others have better lives, you know, being other-directed. Since about 2014, Sebastian, my book and print sales have gone to a high school to assist youth there in getting scholarships so they can attend college.
My art is Slow Photography, which means being authentic. It’s about paying attention, not about gear. To me photography begins with an idea. The idea does not become a photograph until the image is printed. It’s about printing your stuff. My new hardcover work, Ruins and Rust: Illuminating the Hidden Bahamas is about the beauty of hidden places, and at its center are ideas about Slow Photography.
Art also means giving back. Last year I launched a fine art photography eZine called SHIZEN,(She-Zen), a FREE, no-ad, one click downloadable PDF for any device which anyone is welcome to download.

 Was there an Aha! Moment when you knew you were an Artist ?

It evolved. My parents exposed me to the arts when I was very young. My mother Judy took me to the Louvre, read me poetry, and took me to see Impressionism, sculpture and Japanese art in museums from Kyoto to New Delhi to London. My grandfather and my father exposed me to swing, jazz and folk music. I started photographing 45 years ago, but it wasn’t until I began to teach photography in the design department at Colorado University that I felt I had something to offer other creatives. Teaching now, I think of photography as a daily practice that connects us to life, the arts, to science and to the humanities.

What is it about Cape Cod and P-town that has always attracted Creative People?

Well . . . I married my husband in Provincetown, and I love its community. I believe creative people are passionate about Provincetown for its freedom, beauty, community and the chance to live our fantasies. I come to Provincetown often, and since 1991 I have always been enchanted by the energy of its creative people and arts. I think Cape Cod is truly primal, in its wild places, and this primal nature is what our souls need.
You are right Sebastian, creative people all share a Passion for Provincetown, and in Portuguese this might be saudade. I wrote about this sense of saudade and how we feel about Provincetown in one of my photographic story series here.

Who are your favorite artists and why?

To mention just a few, I enjoy and have been informed by the work of Minor White and the Minds Eye of Cartier-Bresson have inspired me too.
I love the portraiture of photographer Amy Arbus and her way of teaching. Guy Tal and John Daido Loori in contemplative photography are also influences. I follow David DuChemin, Ming Thein and William Albert Allard. Each time I go into the Egeli gallery the paintings inspire me. Every Friday night art walk in Provincetown is inspiring.
To me it seems that all these hard-working greats are saying “pay attention” to the here and now.

It seems that no matter the medium Ptown was is and always has been a place that many creative people come to and draw from….no matter the time of year creativity is always here!

For MORE about Jims amazing IMAGERY Click Here

Watch the video on Slow Photography.

Learn to go deeper in your photographing with Jimages One:One Coaching.

Art also means giving back. Last year I launched a fine art photography eZine called SHIZEN,(She-Zen), a FREE, no-ad, one click downloadable PDF for any device which anyone is welcome to download.