Gabe McCurdy

I'm based in Nashville, TN but don't consider myself a southern photographer although I love Nashville. I moved here 14 years ago from Los Angeles but I grew up and went to school in Ohio and Indiana where I graduated from Indiana University in 2000. I came late to photography and didn't get a camera until I was 30. Two years ago I became inspired by documentary and fine art photography and have been moving in that direction ever since. I started Hartford University's Photo MFA Program this summer and hope to graduate in 2022.

As for my camera...Its equal parts creative instrument and therapeutic tool. It helps me break out of innate introversion. I was born a melancholic misanthrope. Strangers were obstacles, crowds were a nuisance. But over the past couple years the desire to make images has pulled me into the orbits of people I would never encounter otherwise. It taught me that most of the fictitious, misanthropic rumblings that occupy my mind can usually be ignored and that other people, especially strangers, can be the key to my happiness. There's an exchange I can have with a stranger, often genuine, that boosts my spirits and takes me out of my inner monolog. The gratitude I feel for making a photo with them pushes down the misanthropy and cynicism and makes me happy to be around people. Its a way to escape. Its a way to be thankful for others.

What draws me to your work is that I feel the strong sense of connection between yourself and your subject. I feel that connection is there because of who you are as a person and how you utilize these parts of your identity to aid in approaching people. I believe you might be ok with allowing yourself to be vulnerable and push through discomforts. This way of working helps one present their true self and receive in return a chance to collaborate with our subjects. Can you share more about how strangers have become less of an obstacle and taken on the role of a teacher in your creative path?

Yes, you're absolutely right, allowing yourself to be uncomfortable is a big part of making a photograph with someone you don't know very well or have just encountered. The person you're photographing might be uncomfortable too so I focus on putting them at ease which isn't always possible but being friendly is a big part of it. Strangers can be inspiring. They give you a brief opportunity to transmit genuine kindness and sincerity. As an introvert I cherish that. Brief, but meaningful connection. When you have that outlook it changes the way you interact with people, at least when you have your camera. It unlocks your gratitude and respect for others which can be hard for me sometimes when I'm not photographing.

What have you learned from photographing people that informs how you approach them?

I approach people in different ways but it's always friendly. I tell them I'm a photographer and then explain why I want to photograph them, usually give a compliment about their outfit or the way the light was hitting them, something that's honest but doesn't make them feel self conscious. Recently I've been finding a scene I want to photograph and then I'll go find someone nearby and ask if they have a few minutes to help me make that photograph. This approach takes the primary focus off the person while still allowing me to photograph them in an intimate way once they feel comfortable with me. I always get their contact info and send them a copy of the picture . It's a brief connection and a shared experience.

In your experiences have you found being an introvert helps enhance your interactions? If so, how?

Being an introvert can be a challenge when trying to make the kind of photography where you engage people you don't know, but I think it also may help communicate to the person that you are sensitive to their condition and respectful of their time. However I often try to mask my introversion with directness and confidence when I engage someone I want to photograph. People appreciate honesty about what you want from them, why you want to take their picture and clear directions. If you can tell them exactly what you want from them it takes pressure off them to "pose" for the camera which often results in a cheesy smile, emotionless stare, a peace sign or a middle finger. Approaching people is hard at first, even for extroverts. I think one payoff for introverts especially may be the elation and feeling of accomplishment you get once you've made the photo and have connected with someone, despite the effort it took to push through your desire to keep to yourself and not bother people.

Is there a general theme that your work is exploring?

If anything I'd say I'm generally interested in the simultaneous yet conflicting natures of strength and frailty in human beings. When our vulnerabilities are exposed we are forced to accept and strengthen them. Human beings adapt to both physical and mental stressors in order to survive. Photographs can often show both sides of the human condition, often in one photograph.

How would you advise photographers to use their vulnerabilities as a source for connection?

Photography is a great opportunity to let your vulnerabilities fall away. For example, if you're a shy person try approaching people with confidence, even if you have to manufacture it. I have to break out of my introversion when I approach people and sell them on this photo idea I have for them and then direct them so they know exactly where to sit, stand or look. It's more than I feel like doing some days but when I do I always feel good about the connection I make with people.

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