Pasquale J. Cuomo, an American photographer with over five decades of photographic prowess and a passion that has witnessed the transformation of the art itself. Cuomo, a seasoned photographer, has navigated the shifting tides of the industry, from the film era to the digital age and back again.
Picture this: a young Cuomo, just a teenager, picking up a camera and diving headfirst into the world of photography. Little did he know that this hobby would evolve into a lifelong journey, spanning various genres and continents.
Around 1980, Cuomo took the plunge into the professional realm, initially juggling his photographic pursuits alongside other commitments. By 1985, he had fully immersed himself in the world of photography, boasting his own lab, top-notch equipment, and a clientele that included some heavy hitters. Fashion, public relations, legal documentation, architecture, weddings, advertising—name it, and chances are Cuomo’s lens has captured it.
Not one to be confined by the four walls of a studio, Cuomo’s work found its way into the spotlight at exhibitions in prestigious venues. The Alliance of Queens Artists Gallery, the Queens Museum, Queens Botanical Gardens, and the NYC DCA Gallery on Columbus Circle all bear witness to his creative footprint.
Cuomo’s work, a reflection of his roots in the art of The Hudson River School, Winslow Homer, and Edward Hopper, pays homage to the giants of photography: Mathew Brady, Andrew Russell, Edward Weston, Walker Evans, W. Eugene Smith, and Ansel Adams. It’s a nod to the old-school, where the craft was more than just a snapshot; it was an art form that stood the test of time.
In 2007, Cuomo made a pivotal career shift. The winds of change were blowing, and the film era was making way for the rise of digital photography. A moment of silence for Cuomo’s beloved Hasselblad—the medium format film camera that had been his steadfast companion for years. As the industry pivoted towards pixels and screens, Cuomo took a step back from the relentless world of professional photography.
But, as they say, everything comes full circle. Film is making a comeback, and with it, Cuomo’s Hasselblad 500C/M reemerges from the shadows. It’s a testament to the enduring charm of analog photography in a digital age.
What sets Cuomo apart is not just his technical prowess but also his unique experiences. His lens has captured the soul of Africa, the tranquility of Japan, the vast landscapes of Alaska, and the diverse tapestry of California and Europe. These images, for years tucked away in the archives, are now making their debut online. Cuomo’s portfolio, a visual diary of his travels, is a captivating narrative that invites viewers into the heart of his adventures.
As we browse through Cuomo’s work, we are reminded of a time when photography was not just about megapixels and filters but about freezing moments in time, capturing the essence of a scene, and telling a story through the click of a shutter.
Cuomo, now returning to the digital stage, is sharing these hidden treasures with the world. His website is set to become a treasure trove of visual narratives, each photograph a portal to a different corner of the globe. The seasoned photographer is gearing up for a new photo journey, seeking out fresh vistas to add to his ever-expanding portfolio.
In a world saturated with images, Cuomo’s work stands out. It’s not just about the subject in the frame but the story behind the lens—the journey of a man who has witnessed the evolution of an art form and continues to find inspiration in every corner of the globe.
