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In his photo “Blizzard Feeding,” retired UNMC athesthesiologist Charles Guildner, M.D., captures country living during winter months. Dr. Guildner’s work is on permanent display in the McGoogan Library, as well as at Joslyn Art Museum through early February. A reception at Joslyn is planned Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon as part of the 2007 UNMC Alumni Weekend. |
He went back to school.
Having spent 30 years easing the aches and pains of other people, Dr. Guildner wanted to pursue another passion: photography.
“I’ve always enjoyed photography,” said the 1957 graduate of the UNMC College of Medicine. “I’ve had an interest in it ever since high school.”
After two years studying photography at a community college near his home in Everett, Wash., Dr. Guildner set out with his camera to visit his mother in Kearney, Neb.
Since then, Dr. Guildner has spent two to four months each year in and around Nebraska taking pictures of everyday life in the rural heartland.
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Through black and white photography, Charles Guildner, M.D., showcases “Lives of Tradition” in the Midwest. |
“I found an interest in it after that visit with my mom,” Dr. Guildner said. “When I got home, several of the rural scenes just seemed neat and I wanted to explore them further.”
Dr. Guildner said he is especially interested in photographing people who provide a glimpse of Americana.
“Many of these lifestyles are shrinking in numbers,” he said. “So it is interesting to find people whose lives seem grounded in tradition, who find their vitality in long standing ways of living.”
All of his photographs are taken in black and white.
Dr. Guildner said he chose this format because he likes the abstract nature of the medium. “You focus on the subject better, I believe, because you focus on light and shape more and are not distracted by color,” he said.
Almost all of his photos are taken outside, as well. “I like the natural light,” he said.
In 2002, Dr. Guildner developed an interest in photographing rural schools, most of them one room. During the next four years he visited and photographed the people and activities at more than 40 of these still functioning rural schools in Nebraska.
Dr. Guildner said the training he learned in medicine — observing people’s body language and mannerisms — are skills he uses when preparing to take a photograph.
“It’s made me a better photographer,” he said.
Dr. Guildner’s photographs are on permanent display in the McGoogan Library of Medicine and through Feb. 3 at Joslyn Art Museum. To see a sampling of Dr. Guildner’s work, visit his Web site at www.guildner-photo.com/.