As the year 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the artists and photographers who have created interesting works. Among them is Pasquale J. Cuomo, a photographer whose career spans more than fifty years. His journey began as a teenager with a simple passion for capturing the world through his lens. By the early 1980s, what started as a hobby had grown into a professional pursuit. By 1985, photography became his full-time career, allowing him to dedicate himself entirely to the craft.
Pasquale’s portfolio is as diverse as his interests. Over two decades, he explored everything from fashion and public relations to architectural photography and advertising. His work has appeared in trade publications and brochures and has been exhibited at esteemed venues like the Queens Museum and NYC DCA Gallery.
A Classic Approach
Pasquale’s philosophy is rooted in what he describes as an “old school” approach. His influences include the Hudson River School, Winslow Homer, and Edward Hopper, as well as photography greats like Ansel Adams and Walker Evans. Drawing from these inspirations, he creates images that emphasize structure, clarity, and color, inviting viewers to notice details often overlooked in everyday life.
Finding Beauty in Form
Pasquale’s talent for uncovering the extraordinary in the ordinary is evident in two of his recent works: National-AF-Museum, Dayton, Ohio and Cincinnati Union Terminal. Each piece reflects his technical precision and his eye for geometric beauty.
National-AF-Museum, Dayton, Ohio
On his second visit to the Air Force Museum, Pasquale came prepared with a plan and a powerful flash. Using Kodak Portra 400 film and a 50mm Zeiss Distagon lens, he created an image that captures the intricate details of two vintage warplanes. Rather than presenting the planes in their entirety, Pasquale focused on fragments, crafting a composition that feels abstract yet intimate.
Shooting at 1/30 sec and f/5.6, he carefully controlled exposure to minimize reflective hotspots, resulting in an image that balances smooth curves with textured backdrops. This thoughtful approach transforms what might have been a straightforward museum photo into a contemplative study of form and light.
Cincinnati Union Terminal
The Art Deco architecture of the Cincinnati Union Terminal posed a different kind of challenge. With only natural light to work with, Pasquale relied on patience and precision. Setting up his tripod and angling his camera skyward, he captured the dome’s intricate patterns and rich colors.
Using his 40mm Zeiss Distagon lens and Kodak Portra 400 film, Pasquale achieved a balance of sharpness and saturation, revealing the beauty of the terminal’s geometric lines and warm tones. Minimal Photoshop adjustments preserved the authenticity of the image, showcasing Pasquale’s respect for the structure’s design and his ability to highlight its elegance.
Unified Themes
Despite their differences, both photographs share a common vision. Pasquale’s focus on clean composition, vibrant color, and sharp detail draws viewers into the scenes, encouraging them to appreciate the beauty in isolated moments. His use of film photography, paired with Hasselblad Zeiss lenses, brings a tactile quality to his work that feels timeless in an age dominated by digital techniques.
Seeing the World Differently
Pasquale J. Cuomo’s photography invites us to slow down and reconsider the world around us. His images don’t merely document; they elevate. Whether capturing the mechanical intricacy of a warplane or the sweeping artistry of an architectural dome, Pasquale transforms ordinary subjects into compelling visual stories.
In a world where speed and efficiency often overshadow observation, Pasquale’s work is a reminder that beauty is everywhere if we choose to see it. Through his photography, Pasquale J. Cuomo transforms everyday scenes into thoughtful compositions, highlighting the importance of mindful observation in 2024.
