CARL ZITZMANN
Photography is “writing with light”
Artist’s Statement
I honor and immerse myself within the concepts of Contemplative Photography where the eye, the mind and the heart play equal roles in the creation of unique images to be shared with others… applying my technical photographic skills and lifetime experience to capture the fleeting moments of synchronicity that exist within our imaginations and amazing physical environment.
Biography
My formal photographic education (Photojournalism) took place at Palomar College in San Marcos, California from 1969 to 1972 and my first professional job was as the Photographer & Public Relations Assistant within the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (now NOVA Parks) from 1973 through 1981 at which time I was chosen to fill the position of University Photographer at George Mason
University in Fairfax, Virginia. I soon attained the position of Assistant Director For Photography in the Office of University Relations in 1983. Then, in 1988, I transitioned into education television production with the startup of George Mason University Television (GMU-TV) first as a Producer/Director and then later selected to be their first Production Manager in 1993. Eventually, after a total of seventeen years at GMU I left to start my own solo freelance photography business in 1998 serving such varied clients as the Fairfax County Park Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Agriculture Graduate School and several local Northern Virginia newspapers. While working for George Mason University I lived in Centreville, Virginia. Then moved to Falls Church, Virginia in 1999. I left there for Rappahannock County, Virginia in 2002 in pursuit of product photography and a quest for nature and rural landscape photographic opportunities. Now totally “retired” I am more deeply involved in photography than ever. Doing, I feel, better work and definitely loving it more! My one-time working profession has turned into a personal immersion. In between creating and editing photographs I enjoy hobby gardening along with occasional hiking and taking in the musical and cultural events around the Northern Piedmont area whenever possible.