1. 204 Best of DC 12Best of DC
Tony Powell – Renaissance Man
More than just a photographer who captures destiny with his camera,
Tony Powell is a graduate of The Juilliard School – as well as a painter,
sculptor, choreographer, composer, dancer, writer, graphic designer,
and filmmaker. His prominent presence at Washington Life Magazine
has made him one of the Nation’s Capital’s most notable personalities
behind the lens and behind the scenes – but recognized for his many
remarkable contributions to the ‘Faces & Places’ in this powerful city.
DestinyCaptured
You were a musician, actor, and painter first. How did you discover photography?
Photography class was offered in my freshman year of high school, and I jumped at the
opportunity, discovereing the power of organizing the space within a picture frame.
Is there one art form that you enjoy better than another?
No, I don’t place a greater value on one discipline over another.They all have one thing in com-
mon - placing together disparate elements to form a cohesive whole.Whether it’s combining
different notes to make a memorable melody or adjusting text, photography, and line to create
a powerful graphic design, the common thread is organization.
How is photography different from your other interests?
I like the immediacy of photography. Unlike making a painting, a musical score, or a ballet,
which can take days, weeks, or months to create, a photograph happens in a captured mo-
ment that will never happen exactly the same way again.The goal is to become more aware of
when that ‘moment’ is about to happen.
What are some of the motivations behind your work?
My society photography for Washington Life magazine is all about my love of people and par-
ties. I couldn’t be happier there. I try to make people look their best and feel comfortable when
they are being photographed.
Which photographers have influenced your work?
The greatest of them all was Man Ray. Henri Cartier-Bresson is a close second. Other favorites
include Lois Greenfield, Howard Schatz, Cindy Sherman, Harry Callahan, Minor White, and
Wolfgang Tillmans.
What are the tools you use for creativity?
By far, the most valuable tool I have at my disposal is the computer. My Mac Pro enables me
to create large-scale orchestral compositions, multi-layered digital art, high-resolution graphic
designs, digital videos, as well as providing storage of tens of thousands of images that can be
accessed in an instant.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Everything I come in contact with has the potential to inspire me - poetry, books, movies,
nature, performances, my children - if I’m open to it. I also like listening to my own music while
driving late at night.
Do you foresee the demise of print publications?
Unfortunately, we are moving further away from the need to hold paper in our hands and mov-
ing toward the retrieval of information from the internet via a computer or handheld device. It’s
inevitable that online media will one day be the primary outlet for the dissemination of music,
news, photography, and film. Solutions to the copyright and piracy issues must be found.
What are you planning on doing next?
I will make new ballets for PHILADANCO, Brooklyn Ballet, and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Company in Denver, Colorado. I am currently composing a piece for large percussion en-
semble and my 5th String Quartet.Two of my dance films will be screened later this year and
I have a collection of new paintings and Fine art photography that I would like to exhibit in the
coming years.
www.Tony-Powell.com
Tel +1.301.343.7805
Paul Taylor © Tony Powell
Rupert Everett © Tony Powell
Self portrait © Tony Powell Sidney Poitier © Tony Powell
Four Figures © Tony Powell