Capitol Hill is home to one of the Washington area’s outstanding photographers, Eric Johnson. Working in black and white, he photographs buildings we all know and love. He captures the architecture and unique spaces of places like RFK Stadium and Key Bridge. His work reflects the age of time with images that flood you with memories. Johnson’s art is often shown at Multiple Exposures Gallery (MEG) at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria, and most recently at the Hill Center’s Regional Art Exhibition.
On June 8, the gallery will celebrate its 40th anniversary. Johnson is the president of the gallery, a 15-member organization of local photographers. MEG is one of the last dedicated photo galleries left in the Washington area. Johnson says that “carrying the flag for photography” in the region is something the gallery takes quite seriously.
Urban Landscapes
Johnson describes himself as a photographer of urban landscapes. Consistency over years of practice helps him focus on projects in today’s digital world. Landscape photographers are characteristically patient. Johnson says he often takes photos of a place over and over, like his recent project of the Key Bridge. “I like to see the bridge in all different kinds of light and detail,” he says, “and I often have projects that are taken over time.”
Johnson started photographing in high school in Wilmington, Delaware, and really liked the darkroom experience. “I think I have stayed with black and white photography because it is where I began,” he says. He was fortunate to have access to darkrooms through his professional work as a chemist, but over time it became harder for him to access darkrooms. In 2001, he switched to the digital format.
Landscapes may be part of Johnson’s DNA. The son of two teachers, he took many summer road trips as a boy. “My dad loved to drive, and we would just hop into the car, maps in hand, and explore,” he recalls. Years later, he took a week’s trip on Route 50 from Washington to California. “It was really an amazing trip, and I took tons of photos in many different light situations all across the country.” It was the ultimate road trip experience.
Recently retired, Johnson is enjoying finding new places to photograph. He tends to work best with a specific project in mind. He says he is intentional in his focus, zeroing in on something rather than firing off hundreds of shots. “It may be I am a little lazy thinking about all the editing one would have to do if you rapid-fired your photo shoot,” Johnson says. “When I started my shooting, film prices would make you be very selective in what photos you took, and I think I still like that discipline.”
With advances in technology, black and white digital printing has caught up with the beauty of analog darkroom printing. “Now it is hard to tell one from the other, as long as high resolution digital is being used,” Johnson reports.
Multiple Exposures Gallery
MEG is nationally known for its dedication to the art of photography. For four decades it has been in the Torpedo Factory Art Center at 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. An artist-run collective, MEG has 15 participating photographers. Most photographers stay for between five and 10 years before moving on to other professional opportunities. About every other year, openings become available. A careful selection process assures that a diversity of photographic styles is represented. That diversity in vision has kept the gallery providing great exhibitions over the years.
For the 40th celebration in June, MEG asked Crista Dix, executive director of the Griffin Museum of Photography in Massachusetts, to jury and curate a group show, “Luminous.” Dix is known internationally for her photographic vision and ed the Griffin Museum in 2020. The museum is similar to MEG in its efforts to “encourage a broader understanding and appreciation of the visual, emotional and social impact of photographic art.” Prior to her museum work, Dix had her own photo gallery for 15 years.
Advice for New Photographers
Johnson’s advice to new photographers interested in becoming part of the local photographic community is to participate in local critiques. Glen Echo Photoworks runs one each month on certain Sundays from 10 to 12 p.m. It is hosted by one of the Photoworks’ faculty . MEG also hosts its own critique on the first Sunday of the month but is taking the summer months off. Check the gallery websites for time and dates.
space for showing contemporary photography. Photo: Rindy O’Brien
Johnson says there are many benefits to bringing your work to be reviewed. They include advice about technical issues with a print, on a project and best of all the opportunity to meet other photographers. More formal portfolio reviews are held occasionally by major photo organizations, and those can be helpful as well. The Capitol Hill Art League hosts twice-a-month critique sessions, but it is not exclusive to photography.
The public is invited to the 40th celebration of Multiple Exposures Gallery on Sunday, June 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. Reserve your spot at https://www.multipleexposuresgallery.com/40years. If you are a photo enthusiast, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Art Events
“Off the Beaten Path,” Capitol Hill Art League, Frame of Mine Gallery, opening reception, May 31, from 1 to 3 p.m., offers a multimedia exhibit by CHAL artists of different or unusual ideas. Exhibition is free and runs through June 28.
National Women Veteran Recognition Day, Military Women’s Memorial Museum, June 12, Arlington Cemetery, an afternoon celebration honoring women veterans with art, food, and special talks. The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9 to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m.
“Strong, Bright, Useful, & True,” Irene Richard Frary Gallery, Contemporary Art from Baltimore, Hopkins Bloomberg Center, 555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, formerly the Newseum. Closes Sept. 2. In addition to the gallery, a sensational Sam Gilliam work is in the lobby. Free to the public, Tuesday through Saturday, 11 to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 to 5 p.m.
Rindy O’Brien explores local art and artists. her at [email protected].
