Eighteen Questions with Ophir Palmon
By Annette van de Kamp-Wright
Ophir Palmon is a photographer who lives and works in Omaha. Ophir was born in Ramat Gan, Israel; he moved here in 1987 together with wife Roni Reiter-Palmon, and their two children. His work will be shown at the Jewish Community Center’s gallery from May 30 through July 30, 2008. The public is invited to the official opening reception on Sunday, June 8, from 2 to 4 pm
JP: Why did you become a photographer?
OP: I chose to be one after realizing the creative abilities it allowed me, and the endless possibilities it brought.
JP: How did you end up in Omaha?
OP: My wife Roni accepted a position as psychology professor at UNO, and I have a well-developed habit of following her around anywhere in the world.
JP: Is there something you can see in a photograph that you can’t see with the naked eye?
OP: A photograph allows you to study an instant over eternity. All physical properties, emotional states, and other currents that may be hidden from view in normal time, are given an opportunity to be more visible to the knowing eye.
JP: How is a photographer different from other artists?
OP: The photographer’s work is instantaneous. His work is created in a split second. A photographer who is working in an evolving scene must constantly evaluate the given situation, make quick artistic decisions, and choose the right time to create his photograph.
JP: Do you think the easy access to digital cameras has caused people to appreciate the Art of photography differently?
OP: It might. Digital photography, and access to digital tools has made photography more accessible to more people; people who would have shunned photography before. The instant results that are available with digital cameras make it possible for anyone to take photos. The popularity of cameras in other gadgets (built-in cameras in cellular phones, computers, etc.) may have extended the range of experience required of one to take a photo. Before digital photography, a novice photographer had to know a few things in order to even begin taking pictures. Now a novice needs to know nothing about his camera or about photography, and his pictures will still turn out okay.
JP: What makes a really good picture?
OP: When it makes the viewer feel what the subject in the picture felt the instance the picture was taken.
JP: If you could take any picture, anywhere, what would it be?
OP: I did, and I do. See my portfolio!
JP: How many pictures have you taken in your life?
OP: 998,537. I plan to host my one million picture gala at Chuck E Cheese (get it? Cheese) I’ll have you write that press release also
JP: Do you know if a picture is good the moment you take it?
OP: Yes. Always.
JP: Who is your favorite photographer, and why?
OP: I appreciate many people’s work, but don’t feel as having a favorite one.
JP: If you couldn’t take pictures, what would you do with your time?
OP: Go back to engineering, and look for an alternative to fuel. It’s the root of all evil.
JP: Do you have any pictures in your wallet?
OP: Just the one on my driver’s license. I look cute.
JP: What is the worst picture you have ever taken?
OP: It was a picture of two people who didn’t want to be together, but were forced to by the situation. I thought I erased this one from my memory, but it still freezes me over when I think of it.
JP: What will people see at your exhibit?
OP: Images that will make them think, and wonder. Abstracts that take the mind for a tour.
JP: What do you hope people will take away from your work?
OP: An inspiration to create themselves, and look at the obvious with a more challenging perspective. I would also hope that they take at least one image home with them.
JP: Will the photographs at the exhibit be for sale?
OP: Funny you should ask… They are!
JP: Do you like being on the other side of the camera?
OP: Yes. It’s a position where you can remain silent, create a lot, and inspire people in ways they do not expect.
JP: Any exciting plans for the future?
OP: Yes. Making more plans.
