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Photographer Gives Cigar Factories 'Audacious Perspective'

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 23, 2008

Local photographer Todd McDonald is drawn to scenes that have some kind of Old World charm. That's why he has taken so many pictures of Tampa's historical buildings since moving to the area a few years ago.

"I just love old architecture, and I find the craftsmanship and the geometry of those buildings to be very attractive," he said. "They allow one to be creative."

In recent months, that creativity has been directed toward capturing the dignity of the old cigar buildings of West Tampa. Ten black-and-white and sepia photos from this series will be shown in an exhibit that opens Friday at the West Tampa Center for the Arts.

It's not as if the cigar factories haven't been photographed before. But McDonald gives them what he calls "audacious perspective."

"I would say these are angled a little more dynamically," he said "The clouds in Florida are among the best, especially with those cumuli storm clouds. They provide a poetic light. And the clouds that day were quite dramatic."

The free opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday will also celebrate the release of the July-August issue of Cigar City Magazine, which features McDonald's photos.

Published for the past three years, the bimonthly magazine's tag line says it all: "Tampa Bay's Premier History Magazine."

"We cover the history and culture of Tampa Bay," said the new managing editor, Manny Leto, who selected McDonald for the issue's photo section. "He McDonald primarily focuses on historical architecture. So his work fits right in with what we do in our magazine."

And he liked what he saw.

"I particularly like his composition and his striking images," Leto said. "When you open them up, they really stand out. They're very dramatic. He's really bringing out the architectural details."
Cigar factories figured big in the history of West Tampa, which is the focus of the issue.

"Cigar factories in West Tampa actually outnumbered those in Ybor City during the golden era of cigar making, between 1880 and the1930s," Leto said. "During that time, West Tampa was really cranking."

McDonald, who has photographed historical buildings in Italy, Spain and France, does not manipulate his images. He takes the time to set up the shot.

"One thing that's central to my work is to reinterpret historic landmarks, to capture them fresh in a dynamic way in black and white using 21st century technology," he said. "I'm basically looking for positions that are dramatic, to find an artistic juxtaposition of foreground and background."

He's off right now finding and recording his artistic views of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. But he'll be back in time for the reception Friday, when free copies of Cigar City Magazine will be available for guests.

In addition to McDonald's photographs, many of the 25 fine art artists who rent studio space at the center will open their doors to the public. Food, beverages and live musical entertainment will top off the evening.

The event is free, but a $2 donation is suggested to help support the hosting facility, the West Tampa Center for the Arts.

"No one will be held accountable to pay," assured Maida Millan, the center director. "But if they want to contribute to the cause of new programs or ongoing programs, we would be more than grateful."

The West Tampa Center for the Arts is in the old Santaella Cigar Factory at 1906 S. Armenia Ave. Call Millan at (813) 453-4381 for information.

Correspondent Esther Hammer can be reached at (813) 259-7662 or ehammer@tampatrib.com.

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