A photographer since the age of fourteen, Thaddeus Self began with an aged Brownie box camera, and developed his film in the family’s darkened basement, with baking pans borrowed from the kitchen. Better equipment followed as he earned money from after-school jobs, and boyhood interest turned to lifelong passion.

“Portrait photography appeals to me because of the interpersonal relationship I have with my subjects. A portrait is always a team effort between me and the sitter, with natural, unposed expressions as the objective.

“I pride myself on my printmaking. When laymen look at my portraits, they notice only the pictures themselves, but part of what they like is the quality of the prints, whose rich tones subtly add to the viewing experience. Quality printing is especially important in Black & White.

“I like to keep my style uncomplicated. I go for simple backgrounds and natural-looking lighting. Their use allows the subject to move around during the session, providing the spontaneity which characterizes my work.

“Everyone knows the practical uses of photography. Some people know of it as Art. As a portrait photographer, I would say that portraits are sometimes Art. When a portrait looks behind the eyes of the subject, and tells us something about him or her, when it is more than just a picture, then it passes into Art’s realm. That is what I strive for in my work, and why I call myself ‘Photographer of the Soul’.