James Carbone’s life is a study of
cultures that’s expressed through his passion for photography. Carbone was born
in Los Angeles, Calif. From an early age Carbone read through the books of
great photographers: Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Frank, Mary Ellen Mark.
“Seeing all those great images started my obsession with photography,” Carbone
says.
For the past ten years Carbone has
studied under Mary Ellen Mark, a world-renown documentary photographer. The two
started working together at Rockport College in Maine and have continued at
Pacific Center Northwest in Seattle and El Centro Fotografico Manuel Alvarez
Bravo Center in Oaxaca, Mexico. Since 2000, he has documented the day-to-day
life of the Lopez family, pepenadores (literally “sorters”) who struggle to
survive by scavenging plastic bottles in a garbage dump. He is currently
collecting the photos for an upcoming book.
His work continues with a chain of
newspapers and magazines in Los Angeles and in the San Bernardino Counties. In
every picture, Carbone uses composition to interpret reality and capture it in
an image that resonates with his audience. “Every time I shoot I try to create
an instant connection,” Carbone said. “I like to get close to people. When I’m
right next to them, there’s a connection. They trust me, and that’s how I can
build a really true image of their humanity.” You can find out more about James and his work by visiting his website.
James Carbone recommends the work of Mary Ellen Mark. Listen to our interview with Mary Ellen Mark by clicking here.
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