Arthur Meyerson
About
Arthur Meyerson (https://www.arthurmeyerson.com/) is recognized as one of America’s finest color photographers. Over the years, this native Texan has traveled throughout the world creating award winning advertising, corporate and editorial photographs, as well as an extensive body of fine art imagery. Adweek magazine named him Southwest Photographer of the Year on three separate occasions and American Photo has selected him as one of the top photographers in advertising. His awards are numerous, including gold medals from the New York Art Directors Club, the Art Directors Club of Houston, the Dallas Society of Visual Communications and the prestigious Stephen Kelly Award for his work on the Nike advertising campaign. He was selected by Nikon to their illustrious Legends Behind the Lens list and honored by the Houston Advertising Federation as the inaugural recipient of the Only In Houston award for individuals “whose creativity and passion for his art have brought recognition to the city of Houston”. In 2008, the Houston Decorative Center named him as the first recipient of photography in their annual Stars Of Design celebration. Besides his commercial work, Arthur’s fascination with light, color and the moment continues and has culminated into an impressive body of personal work as well. His photographs are included in many public and private collections and have been exhibited internationally. He has been profiled in many publications including Communication Arts, Rangefinder, Camera Arts, Graphis, Digital Photo Pro, Zoom (France), Portfolio, Idea (Japan), Novum (Germany), Photoworld (China), and Fotodigital (Portugal). A photographer with a strong commitment to his profession, Arthur teaches photography workshops and participates in speaking engagements throughout the U.S. and abroad. He is a member of the Advisory Council for the Santa Fe Center for Photography as well as serving on the Board of Advisors for the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops and the Houston Center for Photography. In 2012, he published his highly acclaimed book, The Color of Light, a collection of some of his personal iconic color images from the past four decades and his latest book, The Journey, tracing his photographic life, was released in 2017.
Gallery
LACP Interviews Arthur Meyerson
LACP asks Arthur Meyerson ten questions about his background, career in and beliefs about photography
Los Angeles Center of Photography: What kind of photographer are you?
Arthur Meyerson: A commercial photographer specializing in advertising, editorial and corporate assignments. Primarily, I work in color on location. Throughout that time I have continually shot for myself creating a large body of personal work as well. A few years ago, I stopped doing the commercial assignments and dedicated myself to teaching workshops, leading photo tours and continuing my own photo books and projects.
LACP: How long have you been shooting?
AM: Almost 50 years.
LACP: Where did you get your training?
AM: As part of my journalism degree, I had to take a course in college, Photojournalism 101… basic B&W printing and processing. Beyond that, I’m pretty much self taught.
LACP: When did you know you wanted to devote your life to photography?
AM: That photography course was probably the spark that started it for me. Watching that image evolve in the developer was like magic and I’ve been hooked ever since. Besides, I couldn’t sing, paint or dance.
LACP: Did you ever come close to giving up?
AM: No. I dove into photography very naively but determined. Early on, I had made myself a 5 year plan… and that plan was usually evolving every couple of years. After awhile, it was too late… meaning I could never imagine doing anything else. The freelance world was full of unknowns and I actually liked not knowing what was next.
LACP: Have you sacrificed anything by being a photographer?
AM: On a personal level, I was there for the birth of both of my kids and many of life’s big family moments. But sacrifices were made, both personal and professional. However, if you want something bad enough, you have to be willing to do whatever it takes. And if you love what you’re doing… well, that certainly helps.
LACP: What have you gained by being a photographer?
AM: Besides having made a wonderful living doing something I loved, photography took me around the world to over 90 countries, all seven continents and photographing people and situations I never would have dreamt. Those experiences were priceless but the most important thing I’ve gained from photography? It taught me how to “see”.
LACP: What classes do you teach at LACP?
AM: A course I’ve been teaching going on 30 years now, The Color of Light.
LACP: What do you love most about teaching?
AM: Besides sharing what I’ve learned and my experiences, the joy of helping par6cipants reach their goals.
LACP: What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making a career in photography?
AM: While talent is an absolute given, go in with both eyes open, be your own toughest critic, be persistent and be willing to work your tail off. And as my mentor, Ernst Haas, once told me, “try not to lose your enthusiasm.”