The Boling Point

Every once in a while, you meet someone who exceeds expectations you never even thought to have. Up until recently, I knew that person as @wboling. I didn’t search for @wboling. In fact, Instagram found him for me. @wboling (or “Boling”” as I call him) is one of the few photographers who makes me laugh, with just about every image he posts. His images are composed with what can only be described as a well-trained eye, a strong sense of humility, and a witty sense of humor. 

On a trip to California, Boling was kind enough to meet me for lunch. We met at one of my favorite American restaurants, chomped on salad, and bonded over beers and a mutual appreciation for the work of Stephen Shore. Boling was just like his photographs – fun and easy going, with a definite Southern flare. One thing that struck me was the amazing sense of camaraderie he expressed for his fellow man, often referring to photographic subjects as his “countrymen.” I was moved by his sense of compassion for humanity as a whole.

I just so happened to be carrying a rough draft of a photo book I have been putting together and decided to get his input, over coffee. The input I received has been invaluable to the process. I didn’t know it at the time, but Boling is also a publisher with Fall Line Press, a company that produces exquisite publications. He was kind enough to let me flip through a copy of “Alphabet,” a fabulous art photography book featuring twenty-six black and white images corresponding to letters of the alphabet—a real treat!

Meeting Boling was an incredibly uplifting experience. It inspired me to see my photographic style from a different perspective and cultivate a sense of compassion within my images. My newfound perspective has helped me shape a more positive and hopeful view of culture and the photographic experience as a whole and for that, I am truly grateful.