ABOUT

John Stamstad Photography

I was born in Louisville, Kentucky and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, where my artistic curiosity was sparked by a profound and controversial influence: The Perfect Moment, a retrospective exhibition of photographer Robert Mapplethorpe at the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center. The ensuing obscenity trial captured national attention, challenging societal norms and pushing the boundaries of human expression. The provocative nature of Robert Mapplethorpe’s work, juxtaposed with the fierce legal and moral debates, left an indelible mark on me. It opened my eyes to the power of art to provoke, evoke, and confront the viewer with their own dark secrets. This early exposure ignited a passion within me to explore the darker, often overlooked aspects of beauty and form.

At eighteen, I left Ohio for the vibrant chaos of New York City, enrolling at Pratt Institute. Graduating in 2001 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, I was deeply influenced by the urban tapestry of New York at the turn of the century. New York has been my home ever since, where I have raised a family and continued to hone my craft. Alongside my photography, I have also built a career as a designer, seamlessly blending creativity and functionality. My work, especially the series Ghostown - Photographs from New York City 1999-2024 captures the city’s soul through decades of transformation, portraying silent streets and forgotten corners where the city seems to pause and breathe. These black & white images, awaiting an upcoming book, tell stories of solitude and resilience, inviting viewers to find their own reflections in the shadows.

My journey as a photographer has always been in black & white, seeing the world not in vibrant colors (as I do as a designer) but in the nuanced interplay of shadow and light. From my early explorations, devoid of human presence, to my recent work in studio capturing the human form, I seek the dark, the quiet and the unseen. In still life compositions I explore the delicate dance between life and death, celebrating the ephemeral beauty of both. My minimalist approach invites viewers to pause and immerse themselves in the quiet depths of shadow. Embracing the mysteries of creativity, I find joy in the process, relishing the journey and the infinite possibilities it unfolds. My work is open and devoid of message, allowing you, the observer to uncover your own meaning, deep in the shadows.