A Barrington resident, Al Buschauer has been a self-employed portrait artist photographer for 42 years. For the past six years, he’s been showing his work at the Barrington Art Festival.
Q: How did you get into photography?
A: Actually, on a whim in college. I was a biology major at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, and in my very last semester I took a photography class and got hooked. Funny story, but I missed my graduation because I had a photo shoot to do.
Q: What attracted you to photography?
A: There is a lot of creativity to be had and a nice outlet for me. Photography found me, I didn’t find photography. The timing was just right.
Q: Do you have inspirational photographers?
A: Yes, Annie Leibovitz because she’s different. I followed her work in “Vanity Fair” magazine and her cool cover shots. Her work is provocative and edgy. I have many, many more favorite photographers, such as Albert Watson.
Q: Do you travel often?
A: Yes, I’m going to be traveling more to take photos. I’ve been to Africa twice on charity missions, but going gave me some ideas on the people I photographed in Africa. The photos ended up being shown in several exhibits.