Q&A with Michael McFadden
A week or so ago, the Topa Topas got a lovely dusting of snow and I knew that if anyone could have captured the moment, it would have been local photographer, Michael McFadden. We all know of his work from his book, “Color of Ojai,” and of course, his calendars, which I buy every year. So when I contacted him, he did not disappoint and offered up three amazing scenes. I asked if I could share these images on Ojai Post, and he said it would be fine as long as they don’t get used anywhere else without his permission (there’s the disclaimer).
When I asked him how he got started in photography, his response offered keen insight into the man behind the lens:
“I've been interested in photography since high school (1972). I won the first two times I went to the Ojai Camera Club monthly competitions, worked at the Ojai Valley News for awhile in the late '80s, did a calendar, and have kept a hand in it since.”
And his reason for keeping a hand in it?
“Photography keeps my curiosity alive. It gets me out in the wilderness, where I'm most at home.”
He works closely with local businesses, too with steady requests for Ojai photos from realtors, banks and magazines.
And his inspiration for snapping these recent photos?
”Right now I'm looking for calendar shots because the light is so great with all these cold storms going by.”
I wonder if we will see any of these in his ’07 calendar!
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Comments (4)
Lisa - great contribution to the blog. I love Michael's photography. Entering my third year in Ojai, I'm on my third Ojai calendar from him - I'm looking at a beautiful photo from the Ojai Meadows Preserve right now.
Comment #1 Posted by: Tyler | March 27, 2006 12:04 AM
The first picture really says something about Ojai, I think. Picturesque and beautiful. But who are the agricultural workers? Are they full time employees paid a living wage? Migrant workers? Can they afford to live in Ojai? I don't know the answers to these questions - I'm putting them out there in hopes that someone does.
Comment #2 Posted by: Heather McKenzie | March 31, 2006 01:41 PM
And where do they live? Do they have safe, decent, affordable housing, or are multiple families stacked up 3-4 entire families per apartment?
Comment #3 Posted by: Lisa Snider | March 31, 2006 04:15 PM
It looks to me like the photo is taken down in Oxnard, with the Topa Topas peeking over the Sulphur Mountain Ridge. A very interesting photo, particularly in light of the somewhat manufactured immigration debate.
Comment #4 Posted by: Tyler | March 31, 2006 06:38 PM