For Elliott McDowell photography has been a lifelong passion, rooted in his childhood when a simple Kodak Brownie camera sparked his sense of wonder. For Elliott, looking through the viewfinder felt like stepping into another reality—an experience that remains unchanged to this day. His early inspiration came from Life Magazine and the habit of mentally capturing scenes while riding in the back of the family car. In high school, the excitement of instant results with a Polaroid led to experimenting with portraits, staging scenes, and creating imaginative backdrops.
College courses in photojournalism and film history reignited his early fascination. A first 35mm camera marked a turning point, and photography became a creative escape from the demands of daily life. The works of master photographers, studied through books, deepened both technical skills and artistic vision. A chance discovery of Ansel Adams’ summer workshops led to an invaluable learning experience in Yosemite, reinforcing the importance of studying under the best to refine one's craft.
Serendipity played a role when, while living in Albuquerque, Elliott's neighbor turned out to be Beaumont Newhall, the first curator of photography at the Museum of Modern Art. His informal lessons, surrounded by rare prints from legendary photographers, were an education unlike any other. Encounters with accomplished photographers like Laura Gilpin further shaped both his technique and perspective.
"My creativity comes in cycles, there are always peaks and valleys with a period of in between. I have learned to be patient and present. Seeing is one of the greatest of gifts that we as human beings can have. Photography has helped me do that, to be awake in the moment. When something I see stirs me, I know that an attempt must be made before the here and now becomes the past. For me, following this approach makes anything possible." - Elliott McDowell
College courses in photojournalism and film history reignited his early fascination. A first 35mm camera marked a turning point, and photography became a creative escape from the demands of daily life. The works of master photographers, studied through books, deepened both technical skills and artistic vision. A chance discovery of Ansel Adams’ summer workshops led to an invaluable learning experience in Yosemite, reinforcing the importance of studying under the best to refine one's craft.
Serendipity played a role when, while living in Albuquerque, Elliott's neighbor turned out to be Beaumont Newhall, the first curator of photography at the Museum of Modern Art. His informal lessons, surrounded by rare prints from legendary photographers, were an education unlike any other. Encounters with accomplished photographers like Laura Gilpin further shaped both his technique and perspective.
"My creativity comes in cycles, there are always peaks and valleys with a period of in between. I have learned to be patient and present. Seeing is one of the greatest of gifts that we as human beings can have. Photography has helped me do that, to be awake in the moment. When something I see stirs me, I know that an attempt must be made before the here and now becomes the past. For me, following this approach makes anything possible." - Elliott McDowell
Elliott McDowell
Moonrise over Rolls Royce
$2,750.00 - $3,600.00
$2,750.00 - $3,600.00
Buji Bird
$950.00 - $1,300.00
$950.00 - $1,300.00
Boots & Wurlitzer 1977
$2,200.00 - $2,800.00
$2,200.00 - $2,800.00
Gracie and the Lion
$950.00 - $1,300.00
$950.00 - $1,300.00
Elsa at the Farm
$0.00
$850.00 - $1,225.00
Bruno in the Snow
$850.00 - $1,250.00
$850.00 - $1,250.00