Visual Revolutionary Episode 46: Ian Ruhter / Photographer / Alchemist / Wet Plate Collodion Pioneer
On this episode of the podcast we get the chance to talk to photographer, alchemist, wet plate collodion pioneer, and all around inspirational figure Ian Ruhter. Although many know Ian from the short film "Silver and Light" that instantly burst him onto the public stage, he was a very accomplished shooter years before that. Ian had created a solid reputation as a talented snowboard photographer with a career trajectory that seemed to be moving quicker than he could have ever anticipated. He was pushing the limits, and became one of the shooters helping to elevate snowboard photography to a world of complicated lighting schematics and big sets. The work was fun, the money kept coming, and it seemed inevitable that he would most likely head towards the world of fashion and lifestyle photography. In the midst of what most would consider "success" however, Ian had an unsettling feeling of dissatisfaction. He began to lose interest in what he was shooting and started to question the rampant consumerism that he was helping promote. He then did what most could never imagine doing. He walked away from all of it and set out on a mission that some told him was impossible. He built the largest wet plate collodion camera the world had ever seen, that was housed inside a truck, and began touring the country with a reinvigorated passion for photography. During our conversation we get the chance to ask him what it was like walking away from a career many would kill to have, how he continued to believe in his vision in the midst of so much doubt, what it's like to shoot portraits that sometimes take hours for each plate, how inspiring it was to work closely with actor Gary Oldman teaching him the process of wet plate photography, and what the next chapter holds for Ian and the crew. So join us for a great story with an amazing "underdog" message of following your dreams.
To Learn More About Ian Ruhter Visit:
Check out their Latest Film "The Carnival of Dreams"
About Visual Revolutionary:
http://www.visualrevolutionary.com
Because we are interested in people's story, and not what type of gear they use, we introduce a new much needed podcast in the world of photography and filmmaking. Featuring in-depth conversations with some of the world's leading photographers, filmmakers, and other visual artists, we are bringing you the backstory on how they got to where they are today.