by Chris Williams

The Utah Statesman, April 11, 1986

Mark Citret is a photographer, and for him, life is exciting. You can see it in his eves when he talks. And the reason is he loves what he does. Photography is his job, his hobby and his life.

Students will be able to meet Citret and catch a glimpse into his life this weekend when Citret holds a free public lecture today in FAV 262 at 7 p.m. and a architectural photography workshop Saturday and Sunday, in FAV 113, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (The workshop has a limited enrollment and costs $20 to attend. Sign up at the art office or FAV 105A.)

What makes Citret peculiar when compared to other photographers is that he has been able to work with probably the most famous photographer of all time, Ansel Adams.

Also peculiar about Citret is that his pictures cover the ends of the spectrum—from nature shots of upstate New York to architecture of San Francisco, where Citret lives.

Currently, his work entitled "Nineteen Photographs," is on display in the new Reynolds Gallery, located in FAV 105. The gallery is named after H. Ruben Reynolds, who was the first professor to teach photography as a subject at USU. Citret's exhibit is the first of monthly exhibits that will be displayed. "Nineteen Photographs," which are all black and white, will be on display until the end of April.

According to Citret, the subjects he photographs have probably been seen by thousands of people. What he tries to do is to shoot them in a way in which people don't normally see them.

"I'm always looking for things to shoot," said Citret. "If I don't have my equipment with me, I make a mental note of it, and then go back and shoot it."

For Citret, the best tool for him is light. "Light is the critical element," said Citret. "Technique is very important too. You can also have the best equipment in the world, but without the right light, you're just spinning your wheels."

Citret started shooting during his high school days, but didn't get serious until 1968. He graduated from San Francisco State and received his master degree there in 1977. His work has been shown in group shows since 1972, and one-man shows since 1976.

What got him so involved in shooting architecture was that he started working for architectural firms. Said Citret, "I shot a lot and the more I did, the more I started thinking about it, and the more I liked it."

With all the ins and outs of photography, one of the things that Citret carries around with him is thirty pounds of gear, which often restricts him when it comes to hiking in the country. "I can only go a couple miles from the car when I'm working with the big guns," said Citret. "If I hike any further, I'd be too tired to shoot, because I'd have to take food, arid maybe a sleeping bag and a tent."

Presently, Citret is specializing in Architectural Photography as a creative, commercial and documentary medium. He is also currently working on a book on the architecture of San Francisco.

Citret said, "Strictly speaking on a visual level, I approach all subject matter in about the same way. I'm presented with shapes in the world, and if moved by them, feel the urge to create some kind of form from these random shapes. Whether it's trees in upstate New York, a rock in the foothills, or the bronze doors of Grace Cathedral, I approach them with very much the same visual attitude."

Citret added, "But of course, I don't relate to the world solely on a visual basis. I have tastes, feelings and preferences, and all these play a part in what arid how I photograph."

Citret said what he enjoys most about being a photographer is "I have the freedom to work all the time or none of the time. That does mean there isn't a steady paycheck, but I work all the time, because that's my choice."