Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/784242
"DOOR KNOCKER AND VINE," 2011 "I'm fascinated with doorknockers. In San Miguel Allende, some are as big as your hand…they're all different sizes and shapes. In this age where everything is new, I'm attracted to things that have been around for a long time, and this could easily be 100 years old. I've gone back to this location just to shoot the section with the knocker." GARY GEIGER G ary Geiger was born in San F r a n c i s c o , raised in San Mateo and came to Carmel after graduating from Brooks Institute of Photography in 1974. His interest in photog- raphy was sparked by a college roommate who suggested they get cameras and take some pictures. Initially, he worked at a portrait studio, then started his own business two years later. As do many in his profession, he did commercial work and shot weddings for years to pay the bills until he found success as a fine art photographer. Today, his work is featured at Gallery Sur on 6th between Dolores and Lincoln in Carmel. His website is www.garygeiger.com. "DOOR KNOCKER AND VINE," 2011 get cameras and take some pictures. Initially, he worked at a portrait seeking, turning left here, right there…it's easy to get lost. But it's just that kind of random wandering that leads him to the out-of-the-way places where he encounters his most stunning images. He finds that people are generally very friendly and helpful. "They want to befriend you," he says. "They don't call 911 because someone is taking a photo of their front door." At each location, the Brooks Brothers seek out a local to be their guide and direct them to unusual, off-the-grid areas that have the patina and character they're on the hunt for. And that has led to some interesting adventures and experiences of a photographic, cultural and culinary kind. "We've eaten snake in China, rat in Cambodia, grasshoppers in Mexico and many other local delicacies," Geiger recalls. He also glowingly recom- mends the tamarind Margaritas made in a small Mexican town. The Brooks Brothers don't view these jaunts as merely a way to garner images for sale. "These trips aren't for producing work to put in galleries," Geiger says. "They're for feeding my soul." As this magazine goes to press, Geiger, Andersen and Hart are in Myanmar for their 38th adventure. It will be interesting to see what they come back with. 212 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 7