John Rogers, photographed by Rowan Renee
New York City is a metropolis for photography. A myriad of backdrops to choose from that change from borough to borough, block to block, and room to room. The possibilities are endless, which can be a blessing, but sometimes it can be a curse when trying to establish an identity. In the case of photographer John Rogers, it has proven to be a blessing for not only him but the jazz community and beyond as well. Among some of the many great artists, he’s photographed include Yusef Lateef, Ornette Coleman, Chris Potter, Jason and Alicia Hall Moran, Bill Frisell, Nasheet Waits, Paul Motian and many more. He’s made a career of observing artists in their moments of creation and how they are reacting to their own creations, which has led to some amazing and iconic photos that are captured for all of us to experience and enjoy as well.
Originally from Tennessee, the self-taught photographer (who counts portrait photographer Dawoud Bey as his most recent mentor and friend) began falling in love with the art of photography around the age of 16 through the LPs he owned. Admiring the works of photographers such as Francis Wolff, Chuck Stewart, Raymond Ross, and many others he started making trips up to the big apple during the summers from the time he was 18-23 to partake in the scene. He recalls going to 4-5 shows a night, honing his craft as a photographer much like an upcoming musician checks out as many sessions as they can to learn and grow. He moved to New York in 2003 and worked at a bakery for 4 years alongside his work as a photographer for small magazines, portrait works, posting works on Flickr, and more. John’s perseverance paid off when someone from NPR caught some of his works on social media in 2008, gaining him regular employment with them.
NPR would prove to be just the start as he would go on to contribute work regularly to record label ECM, Downbeat Magazine, Jazz Times, and WBGO among others. His unique eye has also allowed him his own exhibition at the Jazz Gallery, which sold out, as well as having a solo gallery at the Union Arts in Washington D.C. in 2013. John would also be the artist’s photographer for Jason and Alicia Moran’s Bleed installation at the 2012 Whitney Biennial. He would join forces with Jason Moran again in his 2019-2020 installation Jason Moran Staged, featuring John’s works at both the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis as well as the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. And at the prestigious Village Vanguard, visitors can view six of his works which are part of the club’s permanent collection.
For someone who has accomplished so much, it could be easy (and understandably so) to have an ego, but John is a very down to earth artist who enjoys being among the scene. When asked if there were any particular artists or photo sessions that were memorable to him his response was “It’s all memorable. Soon as I see a photo I can remember little details about each and every session,” which I believe shows just how closely he is immersed in his craft and in the moment.
Much like a musician who’s come off of a gig, but still feels the need to play, so too does John never really stop taking photographs. Riding his bike around the city to find alluring spots that spark his creative interest, he always has his ax on him ready to interact with his subject, whether it’s just a location or friends he meets while walking around. And while most would be content just taking the photo with their cell, when I say he has his it on him all the time, that’s exactly what it means… ALL THE TIME! When I asked why he carries his main camera with him all the time, he says it was the death of famed jazz drummer Lawrence Leathers that affected him and changed his concept. “After his death, I realized I didn’t have a lot of good quality photos of him. They were mostly just cell phone pictures, which don’t do the moment’s justice.” Since then he always has his camera in tow ready to go into action– an inseparable bond.
John Rogers has a body of work that has already achieved some amazing accolades that can be bestowed upon a photographer, and he continues to create and evolve, always looking forward to the next project. When we first really started communicating a while back it was discovered we both like Ramen, and hopefully, when we do get out after this current pandemic we’ll get a chance to enjoy some Ramen and talk more as I enjoyed listening to all the wonderful things he’s done and continues to do. Unfortunately at this time, we can’t give any spoilers, but all I can say is you’ll want to keep your eye on his camera and see what he’ll have coming up!
Images: John Rogers, photographed by Rowan Renee
John Rogers photographs of Billy Hart Quartet, Yusef Lateef, and Roy Hargrove.
For further information on John Rogers, please visit his website and social media pages.
https://www.instagram.com/johnrogersnyc/
https://www.facebook.com/johnrogersnycphotography/
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