I studied under my stepfather, Charles Milazzo, and my uncle Joseph. They were black and white portrait photographers and did many weddings in B&W in the 1940s. While doing such work, I learned the platinum printing process, which evolved in the early 1900s and is still very much with us. I believe that this process still gives unique character to my black and white work today.
Just out of the U.S. Navy, I worked as a street photographer, capitalizing on the interesting subjects and aspects of Soho and Sutton Place in Manhattan. While never really seeking fame, I nonetheless still strove to gain recognition for my photographic work. My photographic competition awards include a major Nikon Photojournalism Award.
I did some work as a photographer in the Navy and later studied at the school of Fashion Design in New York.
My career work also includes employment as a fashion photographer for Vouge Magazine and Ford Model Agency. I owned photographic studios at Plaza Studios and Platinum Images. In addition, I worked as a freelance photographer for 20 years in the South Beach section of Miami Beach, Florida.
However, I led a somewhat 'Bohemian' life style and -- regrettably -- much of early photographic work was lost or destroyed.
My black and white work continues to reflect my experience and familiarity with the platinum printing process. I believe that my color work typically seeks to depict settings and situations that I perceive as beautiful and tranquil.
'I am inclined to believe that some of the beautiful things we see in life can only be explained in the photographic form. Sometimes words are simply inadequate.' - John Peter Falzone