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Photographs by Carroll Foster - Faces in the Crowd of Life
July 29th - August 28th, 2009

The most recognizable shape to the human eye is probably the human face.  We all have one and look at ourselves in the mirror everyday to check on its status.  Have I aged, any new wrinkles, how are my teeth and what about the hair?  Our faces can say a lot without speaking a word.  Our eyes and mouth can reveal emotions that tell about our current state of mental health. 

In a portrait, whether it is a photograph or painting we have an infinite amount of time to study a face and read the emotions pouring from it.  In a painting we are subjected to the artist interpretation of the face.  One may question the reality of the painting and ask "Is this a fair representation of the subject or the artists’ imagination?"  The same can be said about a portrait photograph.  The image is a snap in time and is the most accurate way to reproduce someone’s face.  So what is left to the imagination?  Well, all of it.

These portraits are a study in light, cameras and technology.  The lighting is simple but reveals complicated texture and color.  Using some of the most basic attributes of the camera, shallow depth of field and close-up exposure give these pictures a sense of space or depth.  The technology helped reproduce large and clear images like never before.

These portraits are also a study in people.  Before even taking their picture, a story begins with asking a simple question.  Can I take your picture?  For some, just being asked brings on a flood of emotions and thoughts.  Why me?  What is this for?  When?  Concerns about hair and appearance come into factor as well.  Then we set a date for the shoot.  This makes it a real commitment and puts you in the hot seat.  What could be so complicated about having your picture taken?  Because this is not your usual portrait and will be used for an exhibit, the subject in some ways feels put on stage.  There are real psychological effects playing out for the subject.  Not all subjects are alike; some jump head first and don't think twice, while others fail to show up for the sitting, I suppose out of fear.  Nearly all the subjects had some nerves being touched and revealed true emotions.  Making the subjects comfortable and pushing them to give me something compelling is the next step.  This is a huge swing at creativity and makes or breaks the success of the photo session.  Everybody brings something new to the table.  Small talk and a dialogue in between snaps conjure up emotion and reveal the person.  What is revealed through this collaboration can be theatrical and full of life.  Is this the real person or somebody's imagination?  It is both.  A split second in snaps can produce a masterpiece or a dud.  Will I chose the right one to print?  Once it is processed through the computer with some light retouching and creative treatment, it is printed.  The imagination is then left to the viewer.

My goal is to produce candy for the eye and the mind.  Look into the face and eyes of each person and wrap a story from your own imagination around them.         



Hot Eye Photography owner Carroll Foster lives in his hometown of Spartanburg, with his wife, Iwalani, and two children, Melia and Copland. He enjoys his life in Spartanburg, where plenty of commercial growth feeds the needs of his business, pays for his love of photography, and supports his family. 
 
Carroll received his B.A. in Photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design.  After completing his study in Savannah, he enjoyed the company of artists and photographers during his work at a fine art studio in Taos, New Mexico, where he concentrated on platinum printing and large-format Ciba chrome printing.  Carroll and Iwalani made the Southwest their home for almost three years, enjoying the vast scenery.  With skies that seem to go on forever, it was a perfect place to start a budding career in the photography.  Having always approached photography first as an art keeps it fun, as well as a challenge.
 
In 1998 he moved back home with the intent of expanding the family, and commercial photography took place of the art photography.  Carroll began work with a commercial studio and jumped head first into the beginnings of the new digital format.  After eight years he opened his own studio, only this time he combined the technical aspects of the commercial form and the creativity of fine art photography.  Since opening in 2006 Hot Eye has been a success and has opened many new doors. In 2007 the Hub City Writers Project published his photography in the book Spartanburg Revisited.  His work also will be featured in the forthcoming Hub City title, For Here or To Go: Spartanburg Drive-Ins, Drive-Thrus, and Diners, which will be released in November, 2009.


Opening Reception photos

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