Quote de jour
"Your eye is the first camera. The camera is just an accessory between you and the subject."
                                                                                                          ~Patrick Demarchelier   
   
Welcome to the first edition of Westchester Wednesdays. Every Wednesday, I will be featuring my favorite people, places and things from my neck of the woods: Westchester County, New York. It's a picturesque stretch of New York State with rolling hills and the mighty Hudson River which marks the beginning of the Hudson Valley. It's no surprise many famous New Yorkers choose to live here from Martha Stewart to Ralph Lauren. The wealth of creative types mixed with business commuters, and every type in between makes for an intriguing tapestry of culture.

The Rivertowns Art Council recently held its annual Artist's Studio Tour http://www.riverarts.org  It's a rare chance to visit dozens of artists without an appointment in their private studios. Throughout history, artist's studios have retained an almost mythical status. After all, they are magical, alchemical places where art is created. Each studio is as unique as a fingerprint. On this tour, they ranged from private homes to my favorite: 145 Palisades Street, an eccentric old factory in Dobbs Ferry. There are dozens of artists in this building near the edge of the Hudson River. On last year's tour, I had the good fortune to meet photographer Dennis Purse. He's an old school commercial photographer who has photographed movie stars and royalty, and yet is devoid of the ego and attitude so prevalent on the art scene today.

A year ago, I considered myself a fledging photographer and asked Dennis if he would critique my work. He generously agreed. Then, fear and it's evil twin doubt, reared their ugly heads. I couldn't do it. Dennis has been a photographer longer than I've been alive. We talked about the digital divide: how the advent of digital photography changed everything. Now, it seems anyone with a digital camera can be a photographer. You didn't have to mess with chemicals in a darkroom, or know about shutter speeds or f /stops. In the dizzying progress of technology, what's a master photog to do, but go digital. Dennis has done that, but I'm in awe of his technical expertise. I'm quaking in my boots in anticipation of his seeing my meager photos. These candid photos were taken during this year's tour on April 26th.


Dennis Purse: Photographer


Dennis with one of his subjects.


A wide variety of prints laid out for viewing.



Assisting Dennis was with his French wife Janette. She oozed Gallic mystery by the kilo. I suspect  she is the keeper of many fascinating stories.


The entrance to the spacious studio with walls lined with prints and tear sheets from his work from magazines.



If you would like affordable investment art or need anything photographed, Dennis Purse is your man. He can be reached at denniskpurse@optonline.net  Now, about that critique...