INSPADES MAGAZINE DUE | Page 136

There are over 2,000 bridges that make up the veins and arteries of New York City, feeding people to and from the heart of the city, but few are as formidable as the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. It is in the shadow of this mammoth land-tie that Darren Singer, learned photographer and architectural life breather, settles in to listen for the quiet articulation of these well-worn structures, so that he may capture their whispered stories on camera, and show that these gentle giants are but only appearing to sleep. INSPADES caught up with Singer for an inclusive interview to discuss the importance of artistic education, how he has learned the ability to wake these noble giants from their supposed slumber and why he desires to suffuse them with a spirit that is truly larger than life. Where did your path begin in the world of photography? I started drawing when I was pretty young, and found that I could lose myself in my craft. It was the one space I could find quiet, where time stopped. My drawing and painting background continues to inform and inspire my aesthetic to this day. However, my path to photography really started through my fine arts background in drawing and painting. I attended Tulane University for a Fine Arts and Biology dual major, with the original goal of pursuing medical illustration. 136 inspadesmag.com However, in my second year, as part of my studies I took a photography class which, at the time, meant working with film, and a large part of the experience was working in the darkroom. I got "lost" in the darkroom, spending hours on end, not having any idea whether it was day or night, and not caring either way! This was the beginning. My first manual camera was a Nikon FE10 with a stock 35-70mm, and learning on a manual camera with 24-36 exposures really allowed me to gain an appreciation for, and the value of, composing an image. You did not have the luxury of having thousands of throwaway shots like you do with digital cameras nowadays. My photography style is deeply rooted in the classical tradition of drawing. The objective vision of balance and beauty has been consistent throughout history, we just apply our technology of the time. How does your background in art play a significant role in your current style of photography? I am of the strong belief that one must have an intuitive understanding of strong composition, and the elements of the art - including value, form, pattern, rule of thirds and positive/negative space - are the foundation of the artisan for any medium. I internalized the basic mechanics of creating a strong, balanced image that is grounded in a classical, timeless tradition. I like to challenge myself in working with different media,