Ohio University

Up close with University Photographer Ben Wirtz Siegel

University photographer's appointment marks 10-year reunion with his alma mater

Jan 4, 2012
Monica Chapman

Just days into his appointment at Ohio University, Ben Wirtz Siegel's office looked much like his career outlook – a blank canvas. As the newly named university photographer, possibilities abound, making the ten-year reunion with his alma-mater even sweeter.

"It was strange for a couple of days. I feel like I went back in time. But I've adjusted more quickly than I expected. Now I see Athens from a new perspective, that of a full-time member of the community," Siegel said of his return.

Since earning his degree in photojournalism in 2002, Siegel has worked as a photojournalist for newspapers in Michigan, New York and Ohio. Recently, he has focused on his freelance career for clients that include The New York Times, Frontier Airlines and KTM North America. Siegel also taught photography at Cuyahoga Community College and owns and operates a wedding photography business out of Cleveland.

His 10-year hiatus from Appalachia was well documented by the photographer himself.

"I take pictures all the time, even when I'm hiking. Not so much biking – I've crashed one too many times with one of my really good cameras. I leave those at home now," he said.

Siegel looks forward to being joined in Athens by his 23-month old daughter, Talia, and wife, Rachel, who is finishing her Masters of Counseling at Cleveland State University.

Before he could make much of a mark on the blank slate, Compass caught up with Siegel to discuss his past and future at Ohio University, and a few stops along the way.

What led you to a career in photojournalism?

I started taking pictures when I was in high school at the school newspaper, and as soon as I went to the dark room, I kind of never came out. I loved it right from the beginning and knew that was what I wanted to do.

What's been your favorite photo assignment?

Shooting fisherman in Ireland was some of my all time favorites. Shooting the natural environment but also getting to meet people. It was just a great experience. I have some Irish heritage, so I just felt like I was coming home and meeting a bunch of family members that I'd never met before. The whole experience was very peaceful.

Tell me about a defining moment in your career.

I was in Israel in 2000, right before the Second Intifada, so that was pretty intense. I was leaving right at the cusp of it, but there was that tension. You could cut it with a knife… When I went there, I wasn't sure if I wanted to do more war correspondence type of stuff. Shortly after I realized, I'd rather shoot fishermen in Ireland.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

I'm really looking forward to meeting all the different people that work here, getting to know the faculty and staff and learn a little about their projects and publications.

I'm looking to get a graduate degree while I'm here, maybe in art or journalism. But that's more or less for the knowledge. I just want to be able to keep learning. And that, to me, is one of the real big perks of being here -- being able to take classes and to continue to push myself to think creatively. I love the idea of being able to learn for the sake of learning again.

Who or what inspires you as a photographer?
 
I love looking at pictures. When I was an undergrad, I spent most nights of the week at the library thumbing through photo books. That still gets me really, really excited. I could just live in Alden Library.

Seeing the work that the students have been producing here at OHIO has been really incredible. I'm super impressed by the quality of work that is coming out of the VisCom program.

How has photography changed you?

It has permanently affected my thinking and seeing at this point. Even when I don't have a camera, I'm seeing things as they would record on a sensor or how they would be recorded on a negative. So even when I'm not taking pictures, I'm taking pictures.

How should someone go about requesting your services?

I'm here to help serve all of the staff and faculty. Whenever there is an event they need covered, by all means contact me via the online photo request form. If I'm available, I'll go there at the drop of a hat. If I can't get to it, we have four PACE students and a G.A. that can help. So even if I can't get there personally because I'm already booked, we have a couple of other options.

published: January 4, 2012 10:41 PM

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