His world in black and white

Photographer José López Galvez

About the photographer

José López Galvez

Originally from: Tucson, currently living in Durham, N.C.

Creating art since: “The late 1960s: I had my first exhibit at age 22.”

Memorable moment: “Winning the Pulitzer Prize (for Public Service) as member of a team in 1984 while at the Los Angeles Times. Close second: riding with Mother Teresa in the back seat of a car.”

Describe your style: “Documentary photojournalism using black and white film. I do not pose people. Usually I just cruise around looking for pictures in Latino neighborhoods or events.”

Favorite photo (not your own): “Picture taken by W. Eugene Smith showing a Japanese mother holding her daughter affected by mercury poisoning.”

Photo for which you want to be remembered: “Picture of two East L.A. gang members with the older one tying a bandana around the younger one’s head.”

Photographer you want to meet: “Mary Ellen Mark and Pedro Meyer.”

As a photographer, have you embraced the new digital technology or do you prefer to use film? “I still prefer to use film. I find that it is more magical to make prints in the darkroom than manipulating the digital image on your computer. I use digital only as a backup or when I am making a more generic image.”

Book and a show

The works of José López Galvez will be on exhibit Sept. 20 through Oct. 16 at La Pilita Museum, 420 S. Main Street, Tucson. Meet Galvez Sept. 20 for a book signing of Shine Boy: stories and photographs by José Galvez. The reception is from 3-6 p.m. at La Pilita.