William Wegman is an American photographer, painter and video artist probably most known for his work with Weimaraners.
In this video interview with artist/photographer William Wegman, William discusses his early use of video as well as his acclaimed work with the huge Polaroid which took 20×24 instant photographs.
I always enjoyed Wegman’s work, partly because he became most well known during the years I lived in Boston as well has his connections to Maine. I remember going to a great retrospective of his early drawings in Boston. Cartoon like drawings with lots of puns. His early photography work was displayed as well.
The Polaroid 20×24 camera is a very large instant camera made by Polaroid, with film plates that measure 20 by 24 inches (51 cm × 61 cm), although at least one camera takes pictures that are 23 by 36 inches (58 cm × 91 cm). It is one of the largest format cameras currently in common use, and used to be hired from Polaroid agents in various countries. Currently in the United States this can be rented from 20×24 Studio based out of New York and Mammoth Camera in San Francisco. Photographers such as Elsa Dorfman and Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, have used this heavy (235 lb or 107 kg), wheeled-chassis camera.To celebrate Lady Gaga’s new role as Creative Director of Polaroid, a portrait of her was shot with the 20×24 camera
Work Inspired by Willam Wegman
I have my own series of dog photographs that are no doubt inspired by William Wegman. After all if a “series” artist can use dogs as a stand in for humans, why not?
William Wegman (born December 2, 1943) is an American artist best known for creating series of compositions involving dogs, primarily his own Weimaraners in various costumes and poses.