Spotlight: Meryl Meisler

A closer look at the street walking photographer

Meryl Meisler, COLOR TELEVISION, Mardi Gras, New Orleans, 1977.

Is it possible to be addicted to photography?

I might be. I can’t get enough of the stuff, and there is more to discover than ever. It’s been a crazy week, and I’m ready for the weekend. But I’ve been studying up on photographer Meryl Meisler these past few days and wanted to share. Do you know her work?

Meryl attended grad school at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where she studied photography with the legendary Cavalliere Ketchum. I’ve written previously about what this place means to me, and I suspect her Madison connection makes me feel a kinship with Meryl. I would love to bring her back to give a talk someday. I have much to learn still, but I think this quote sums her up in a nutshell:

I don’t usually go to photograph; I photograph where I’m going.

I love that! Photography can be a way of life if you want, and Meryl has embraced that way of life with gusto. She shared this video with me a few weeks ago, and I finally caught up with it today. I think you’ll dig it.

I’m racing to the finish line this afternoon (TGIF!), so I’ll keep things brief. Mostly, I wanted to introduce you to Meryl and her work. From what I can tell, her new book, Street Walker, is already sold out, but you might be able to find a copy somewhere online. Please make some time to explore her website this weekend. She’s terrific! And if you’re not already following her on Instagram, now’s the time.

Okay, that’s all for now. Autumn is in full swing, and it's gorgeous out there — Have a great weekend! 🍂

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Meryl Meisler, Test Strip Queen (Self Portrait), 2019.