Pasquale J. Cuomo has spent over five decades immersed in the art of photography, a passion he first discovered in his teenage years. By the early 1980s, his journey with the camera evolved from a hobby to a professional endeavor, and by 1985, it became his full-time profession. Over more than two decades, he honed his craft across various photographic disciplines, including fashion, public relations, architecture, and advertising. His images have graced the pages of trade publications and brochures and have been featured in exhibitions at venues like the Queens Museum and NYC DCA Gallery.
Pasquale embraces an “old school” approach to photography, drawing inspiration from the Hudson River School, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, and great photographers like Ansel Adams and Walker Evans. These influences shape his artistic vision, which emphasizes structure, clarity, and vivid color, inviting viewers to explore the hidden beauty in everyday moments. Through his lens, Pasquale uncovers the hidden beauty in scenes others might overlook, crafting images that tell compelling visual stories.
Capturing History and Design
Pasquale’s work reflects his ability to see beyond the obvious, creating images that invite viewers to pause and appreciate the finer details of the world around them. Two of his recent photographs, National-AF-Museum, Dayton, Ohio and Cincinnati Union Terminal, showcase his commitment to technical precision and artistic vision.
National-AF-Museum, Dayton, Ohio
This photograph is a study in composition and texture. Taken during Pasquale’s second visit to the Air Force Museum, he came prepared with a powerful flash and used Kodak Portra 400 film to capture the scene. The photograph focuses on two vintage warplanes, or rather, fragments of them. The decision to highlight shapes and details rather than the entirety of the planes results in an image that feels intimate and abstract.
Pasquale’s choice of equipment plays a crucial role in the outcome. Using a 50mm Zeiss Distagon lens set at 1/30 sec and f/5.6, he managed to capture the intricate details of the planes while toning down unavoidable hot spots from the flash. The result is a balanced photograph that highlights both the smooth curves of the aircraft and the textured backdrop.
The power of this photograph lies in its ability to show what the naked eye often overlooks. By focusing on the interplay of light, shadow, and form, Pasquale transforms a museum display into a work of art. His satisfaction with the inclusion of background detail emphasizes his belief in the camera’s ability to reveal hidden aspects of the world.
Cincinnati Union Terminal
Pasquale’s photograph of the Cincinnati Union Terminal, an Art Deco architectural marvel, is an entirely different challenge. Here, he worked exclusively with available light, a limitation that required careful planning and patience. Setting up his tripod and pointing his camera almost directly upward, he captured the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of the terminal’s dome.
Shot with Kodak Portra 400 film and a 40mm Zeiss Distagon lens at 1/15 sec and f/5.6, the photograph is a celebration of symmetry and color. The dome’s geometric lines and warm tones are rendered with clarity and depth, thanks to the superior sharpness and color saturation of Pasquale’s Hasselblad Zeiss lenses.
Although he made minor enhancements in Photoshop, the photograph retains its authenticity. Pasquale’s approach underscores his respect for the architect’s vision, as he lets the design speak for itself while framing it in a way that feels fresh and personal.
A Shared Vision
Despite their differences, both photographs share common objectives: to emphasize geometric shapes, achieve exceptional sharpness, and bring out vivid color. Pasquale’s focus on isolated portions of each scene encourages viewers to look closer, to find beauty in details they might otherwise miss.
Pasquale’s commitment to film photography also stands out in a digital age. His choice of Kodak Portra 400, combined with Hasselblad Zeiss lenses, reflects his preference for tools that prioritize quality and precision. This “old school” approach, paired with modern enhancements like Photoshop, allows him to create work that feels timeless yet contemporary.
Photography as a Lens on Life
Pasquale J. Cuomo’s work is a testament to the enduring power of photography. His images go beyond documentation, transforming ordinary scenes into something extraordinary. Whether capturing the sleek curves of a warplane or the intricate patterns of an Art Deco dome, Pasquale’s photographs invite us to see the world as he does—through a lens that finds beauty in precision, composition, and light. His approach reminds us that photography is not just about what we see, but how we choose to see it.
