WhatsUpJacksonville.com is always looking for outside opinions of our city. An outsiders opinion can give you much insight on something we take for granted. We recently had the pleasure of meeting local photographer, Michael Glinski,  who is not originally from Jacksonville. We had a few questions for him.

How long have you been a photographer?

My dad put a camera in my hands when I was six, and I’ve never been without at least three of them at any one time. Often, that has included working with multi-million-dollar models from the world of diagnostic imaging: CT, MRI, cardiac catheterization-that kind of thing. Recently, I have done some well-received interior and exterior residential work, including for Sisler Johnston Interior Design (http://www.sislerjohnston.com/model.htm), Ryland Homes (http://www.ryland.com/find-your-new-home/16-jacksonville.html), Collins Builders (http://www.collinsbuilders.net/) and more.   It is impressive to unroll a 36 inch wide print that covers 180 degrees of wide open floor plan. (http://michaelg.org/Homes.htm) .

How long have you lived in Jacksonville?

I abandoned the San Francisco area after the big quake, and arrived here in 1992. I had traveled to Jacksonville previously, and fell in love with the River, the ocean, and the endless tributaries and marshes. They provide an ever-changing inspiration for photography and an opportunity to get re-centered.

Favorite places in Jacksonville?

The new downtown library, St. Johns Town Center, The Florida Theatre, Riverside, The Treaty Oak and San Marco. I am discovering more and more all the time–and especially any place playing music.

So you’re a big fan of music?

I shoot a lot of musicians, promo and stage work.  I traveled with the University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble #1 on a 10 day tour of China, ‘playing lens’ while they drew crowds in diverse locations, including the Great Wall. Now, I am documenting the UNF Great American Jazz series. Those musicians are exciting to watch.

You seem to travel a bit for work.  What keeps bringing you back to Jacksonville?

I’ve lived in 9 cities in 5 states, and traveled on assignment to Europe and to China, for the UNF Jazz Ensemble#1. Jacksonville is home: the perfect combination of climate, water, and activities. It is the juxtaposition of urban life and raw nature at its most primitive. Downtown, there are hundreds of totally unique opportunities to enjoy yourself. And then, one of my favorite places to do camera studies is only 20 minutes from downtown. It is the edge of wilderness, but the photographs look like Flemish paintings of river, shore, and plant life.

What is the aspect of photography that most surprises you?

Camera phones. Yes, they are cheap, and low in pixels and such, but I have been amazed what can be pulled out of them with careful post-processing. Some of the portraits I’ve done with my iPhone are captivating. I want to do a show of nothing but camera-phone images. The secret is all in understanding how the camera thinks, then harmonizing with its limitations and capabilities. People should shoot more pictures. Too much of today will be gone all too soon. Some of the best photos are of the things so common now, but which will be history in mere years. I have a great fun shot of myself on a disemboweled pay phone on the streets of New York City. Today, kids ask, “What’s a pay-phone?”

WhatsUpJacksonville would like to thank Michael G. for taking the time to answer our questions. If you would like to find our more information or to see some great shots of Jacksonville you should check out his site www.MichaelG.org.