Frederick Schmitt ’88, English
In my early days as a photographer, I was asked to read a poetry manuscript and shoot a variety of cover photos to match the content. I still remember scribbling the words “trees, shadows, city” in a small notebook before I headed out to a spot along the Hudson River in Hoboken, New Jersey. Later that day, after I developed the film, I knew this image would be on the cover of “Mysticism for Beginners.” I’ve always loved how the shadow comes out of the tree to reveal the branches and bricks. But this really is so much more than just another photo to me. It represents an opportunity to build a business, to take a step when the path isn’t clear, to find a solution when little direction is given, to bring an idea to life, to collaborate, to get paid for doing something I love. The fact that I can still find the book on the shelves at Barnes & Noble is really cool, too.