Q+A with Poul Ober
What did you learn about yourself during the Coronavirus pause?
That I might need a therapist, nutritionist and trainer.
When was the last time you watched the sun rise?
I photograph architecture… seeing the sun rise is part of the job.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you do?
Cinematographer.
What TV show character would it be the most fun to change places with for a week?
Cosmo Kramer. His whole life is a fantasy camp. He does nothing, fell ass backward into money, mooches food off his neighbors and has sex without dating.
What always makes you laugh?
Kookslams and Jack Ass… I’m easily amused. :-)
What do you want to be in your next life?
Probably a Labrador Retriever in a nice family… or a pro surfer… in a nice family.
Who have you met that completely left you speechless?
My wife… several times (all for good reasons though). And both my kids on the days they were born.
What excites you most?
Beautiful light. Whether its from the sun, a lamp in a room, a headlight from a car… it doesn’t matter. It’s one of those things that I clearly remember being drawn to ever since I was a kid. Back then, I didn’t know why I loved it, but it would usually stop me in my tracks.
What’s a hidden talent you have that not many people know about?
If I wake up suddenly in the middle of the night, I usually know what time it is without looking at a clock. That’s a talent right?
I’m also ruthless at backgammon.
What’s the last image you took with your phone?
A photo of my dog, Smudge.
What was your very first job?
I grew up on a farm in VA and had lots of non paying chores to do. But by the age of 12, I was a hired gun. You know… a mechanic, a cleaner, an assassin... I was paid to kill and paid handsomely. The job started with eliminating the local thieves stealing from our garden. Sure, rabbits are cute and cuddly, but they also can’t be trusted. So I was given a dollar a head. Business was good and then I moved on to ground hogs. They also can’t be trusted and the holes they dig can injure cattle and horses. So, $5 a head for these outlaws.
Wait, is this a question about my first photo job?
What is your backup profession of choice?
Architect, marine biologist or kickass philanthropist.
What qualities do you admire about your parents?
There are many qualities I admire about my parents, but their love of the outdoors and nature might be my favorite. They passed that down to me at a young age and I’m doing my best to teach my children about it as well.