Interview with Adger Cowans

In Episode 55 of Photography is Nothing, Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken sit down for a wide-ranging conversation with legendary photographer and painter Adger Cowans. At 90 years old, Cowans reflects on a lifetime of making art, following his intuition, and finding meaning in the world around him. Cowans studied photography at Ohio University, assisted Gordon Parks, and built a remarkable career spanning fine art, photojournalism, and motion picture photography. He is also a founding member of the Kamoinge Workshop, the influential collective founded by Black photographers to support one another and expand the possibilities of their work. But this conversation goes far beyond photography. Cowans shares his deeply personal philosophy of creativity, describing the artist as a translator of spirit and emotion. He talks about the importance of courage, the challenges of rejection, the difference between making images with film and digital cameras, and why artists must learn to trust their own vision rather than create work simply to please others. The conversation also explores his love of jazz, his experiences with legendary musicians, the importance of community, and the energy that connects people through art and life. Throughout it all, Cowans offers an inspiring perspective on creativity, purpose, and the freedom that comes from defining your own path. In this episode: Adger Cowans on a lifetime of photography and painting Creativity, spirituality, emotion, and trusting your intuition His experiences assisting Gordon Parks and learning from photography's greats Film, darkroom printing, digital photography, and the changing nature of the medium Overcoming rejection and finding the courage to make your own work The Kamoinge Workshop and the importance of community among Black photographers Jazz, artistic expression, and the energy shared between artists and audiences Aging, staying creative, and continuing to explore new possibilities Why you must believe in yourself and define your own destiny Join us for this inspiring conversation with Adger Cowans. If something in this episode resonates with you, share it with a photographer, artist, or creative person who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Photography is Nothing for more conversations about photography and life. Find Adger Website: https://www.adgercowans.com/ Find Zach Website: https://zachdobson.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphoto Threads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphoto Find Courtney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happylifelessons/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessons About the Podcast Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world. Fair Use Statement This document contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner. #PhotographyIsNothing #AdgerCowans #Photography #KamoingeWorkshop #GordonParks #CreativeLife #PhotographyPodcast