Lizard City Photography - Randall Ulrich

Randall Ulrich

Randall Ulrich was born in the state of New Jersey at the age of five. His parents couldn't afford the baby and toddler years, so he was skipped right to age five.

Everyone except Randall's parents recognized his genius in handling a camera. As a result, Randall's parents kept him from anything and everything resembling a camera or photography. As a result, nothing exciting happened in Randall's life for the next 27 years.

Except for one brief stint when the local police took his mug shots, Randall had no interactions at all with cameras or photography.

Then, one day while attending his fourth college (we won't be discussing the rather embarrassing circumstances about why he was on his fourth college), Randall happened to stumble upon a photography class. Ever on the lookout for the most grade with the least amount of effort, Randall enrolled in Beginning Photography.

Aside from one rather nasty camera incident in which there were numerous injuries (and one fatality), Randall went on to an incredibly mediocre and otherwise forgettable career, shooting everything from flowers to pets to local children. Things took a nasty and potentially dangerous turn when he was caught photographing shower scenes without permission; but with the help of the Witness Relocation Program, Randall is living a more-or-less normal life somewhere in America.

Today, Randall enjoys photography by perusing magazines, looking through the newspapers, and occasionally attending prison art shows. He rarely, if ever, is allowed to hold a camera, much less own one, due to the unpleasant incidents noted in his past.

For more on Randall's photography, you can e-mail the author of this article at gotgripes@photomagazine.com

Gallery

Blinds

Swords

Platter and Forks

Gathering Storm

Lisa Portrait

Mask and Epee

Patina on Lampost

Artist's statement:

My preference in photography is for black-and-white images. I will shoot color when a particular image warrants it. But generally, I see the world and many images in terms of black and white. I look for interesting shapes, textures, and patterns when I shoot. When you review my work, the one thing you'll find consistent about it is the overall moodiness and darkness. I not only try to capture images, but I also try to make the viewer stop and think about what he's seeing. Generally, I shoot images for myself, not for others. If a particular photo I've taken pleases me, then that's good enough. If my work is also appreciated by others, then that's great.

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