More Than Meets The Eye | The Mind Behind The Lens
Inside The Artistic Mind of Photographer, Nelson Conde
By Alexandra Christina Dedovitch, Creative Director for H and B Digital
I had the opportunity to meet with financial banker turned artistic photographer,
Nelson Conde, at the International Center of Photography in Manhattan last week
to discuss his most recent art exhibitions in which his unique approach to
photography, the culturally diverse environment of New York City and the
inspiration of other artists have played a vital role in his rising success as
one of New York’s top photography newcomers.
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| Photo Credit | Gary B. Miller |
For both exhibitions, less than 60 winners were chosen out
of the 1000+ submissions received and were hand-selected by the judges, some of
whom are world-renown and leading figures in the art community. Conde, who
steers clear of labeling himself as a “Photographer,” doesn’t let the glory get
to his head and expresses a gracious attitude towards his achievements. “My
photos won in 2010 so when I didn’t win in 2011, it was a humbling experience. Success
is developed through failure. Know that you will fail but also remember that it’s
what you do with that failure that will determine your success in the future. Whatever
you do, don’t put yourself in a bubble. Step outside of your safety zone but be
humble about it,” says Conde.
Both of Condes winning photos reflect his unique approach to
photography which he says is “a combination of design and psychology. By taking
the negative and positive space, I can transform the image into something new,
without extensive post-processing, by simply clicking the shutter button.” This interesting
approach can be found in the contrasting color and juxtaposition of the
coordinated businessmen and the disjointed mannequins in “Occupy,” or of the
Grace Building on 6th Avenue that is visually transformed into a snow
topped mountain towering above New Yorkers in “Sun Capped Grace.”
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"Occupy" By Nelson Conde
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| "Sun Capped Grace" By Nelson Conde |
Native New Yorkers like Conde, who was born and raised in
Brooklyn, have a knack for wearing many different hats in their everyday lives
which can be accredited to the cultural diversity surrounding them on a regular
basis. Conde gracefully embraces this diversity by using it as a positive
source of inspiration to fuel his own creative energy and as a way to give back
to others. During the day he works as
the head of finance for a major bank in Manhattan, but on his free time he is
busy organizing and promoting events for musicians, painters, photographers and
artists, many of whom are masters of their crafts and some of Conde’s closest
friends. “There are three people in my life who have inspired my photography,
the first happen to to be painters and art gallery owners, Steve and Barbara Riddle, the second is a jazz musician, Chris Crocco and the third is a photographer, Lori Adams.” In this way, Conde receives inspiration from different types of artists working in varying mediums and not only shows his appreciation but also supports their form of artwork by creating and organizing events that will pay tribute to and showcase their artistic talents.
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| Photo Credit | Lori Adams |
You might call Conde, the underground art scene's "Superman," who
spends the daytime hours guised as Clark Kent, a professional and
career-oriented figure then transforms into a superhero at night, or in the case of
Conde, a creative maverick eagerly participating in and advocating for the arts
in his own visionary way. “It’s important to speak with other artists who work
with different tools and mediums, painters with the brush, musicians with the
instrument…and find out what’s in their hearts by asking them how they see and
transform space and light. My tool is my camera,” says Conde. Being exceptional
at your artistic craft comes from “being true to your truth of art and your
truth of thoughts. It will reflect in your artwork.”
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| Olympus PEN E-PL1 |
A primary advantage of point-and-shoot cameras is the
compact and lightweight design making them easier for users to carry around and
to travel with. Conde will shoot with the Olympus PEN E-PL1, one of the compact
models in the Olympus Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens system when
he wants the ability to use various lenses without having to upgrade to a
digital SLR. According to Conde, “DSLRS are excellent tools to add quality to
technical essence but the art comes from the person.”
Recently, Conde purchased the Olympus XZ-1 from H and B Digital, a small but cozy photography and electronics shop nestled in the heart of Midtown, Manhattan. Although, H and B Digital is one of the lesser-known photography stores in New York, Conde prefers H and B Digital "because of their integrity and because Tony, the store manager, cares about customers. He will go out of his way to make sure you are satisfied with any product you purchase." The Olympus XZ-1 is a new compact point-and-shoot which also offers "Manual Mode," in addition to a variety of other impressive features. Conde was kind enough to supply us with some shots he took over the weekend with his new digital camera.
Nelson Conde's approach to his own life story beautifully illustrates the approach he takes to photography and art. As a full-time professional businessman working in Manhattan and a family-man who resides just outside of the city with his wife and their three children, it might be difficult to imagine how he can also thrive as a flourishing artist, photographer, jazz music promoter, event organizer, with an innovative but totally down-to-earth personality as well. And yet, it appears that he may have truly mastered that delicate balance between work and play that many of us struggle to achieve or struggle to sustain. He knows when to think inside the box and when to step outside of it, making him both a successful businessman and a successful artist. So to all aspiring photographers, artists and simply any juggler of life, a few words from a true New York renaissance man and real lover of the arts - “Know all the rules...and then break them.”
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| Olympus XZ-1 Digital Camera |
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| Nelson Conde | Olympus XZ-1 |
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| Nelson Conde | Olympus XZ-1 |
Nelson Conde's approach to his own life story beautifully illustrates the approach he takes to photography and art. As a full-time professional businessman working in Manhattan and a family-man who resides just outside of the city with his wife and their three children, it might be difficult to imagine how he can also thrive as a flourishing artist, photographer, jazz music promoter, event organizer, with an innovative but totally down-to-earth personality as well. And yet, it appears that he may have truly mastered that delicate balance between work and play that many of us struggle to achieve or struggle to sustain. He knows when to think inside the box and when to step outside of it, making him both a successful businessman and a successful artist. So to all aspiring photographers, artists and simply any juggler of life, a few words from a true New York renaissance man and real lover of the arts - “Know all the rules...and then break them.”
Nelson Conde is a longtime photography friend of H and B Digital. Any of the digital cameras mentioned in this article can be purchased at discount prices from H and B Digital.com.
