Joseph Paul Schuyler

Schuyler, Joseph Paul DELMAR Award-winning Delmar photographer Joseph Schuyler, who created an eloquent body of work during a 40-year commercial and fine art career that spanned the worlds of theater, nature, music, social activism and urban life, died on Sunday, January 11, 2015, after a heroic battle with cancer. He was 71. Praised as a kind of alchemist who used his masterful compositional strength to create beauty from the most mundane of subjects, find humor in neglected corners, bring hidden details into view and anticipate a breathing theatrical moment, Schuyler's work was inseparable from his generous and sensitive nature. A mentor to many young photographic artists, Schuyler exhorted his students to shoot every day, and to see with their hearts. Schuyler was born in Albany. Upon graduation from Vincentian Institute in 1962, he enlisted in the Army, playing trombone with military bands in Indianapolis, Washington, D.C. and Europe. He returned to study at The University at Albany, and Suffolk University in Boston. He took up the camera as a way to reach students with reading problems while teaching English in Gloucester, Mass. As his love for photography blossomed, he continued his studies as a private student and protege of the late Minor White. Schuyler also studied under Paul Caponigro, Mary Ellen Mark and Peter Turnley. He served a wide range of professional clients, including long stints with The New School and HBO during his NYC years. Best known in the Capital Region as a consummate theater photographer, he was the visual "voice" of Capital Repertory Theatre for 27 years. He also photographed for Williamstown Theater Festival, Soho Rep, Barrington Stage, NYSTI, Lake George Opera and countless smaller theaters and individual actors. His personal photography encompassed a wide range of interests: documenting the building of historic boats at Albany's Scarano Boat Works; revealing the quiet corners and phantoms of New York City in haunting black-and-white images; creating a passionate and personal tribute to the Occupy encampments, and exploring the complexities beneath the surface of serene rural and seaside landscapes--especially his beloved Truro on Cape Cod. Schuyler's photographs were exhibited regionally at Schenectady Museum, Rice Gallery, Albany Center Gallery, Exposed Gallery of Art Photography and The Photo Center in Troy, and further afield from Cape Cod to Boston to NYC to Colorado. His work was featured in publications including: Rangefinder, Zoom International and American Photographer. He received two Kodak Golden Light Awards in portraiture and landscape. His book, "TRURO LIGHT: A Journey from Ocean to Bay", published by Charles Fields, will become available in the spring. A passionately devoted family man, Schuyler leaves behind his wife of 46 years, actress, Eileen (Rasker) Schuyler, and their son, Jonathan, 31, of Fairfax, Va. He is also survived by his brother, James Bradford Schuyler (Kathleen) of Westford, Mass.; sister, Mary Hamilton of Belchertown, Mass.; and sister-in-law, Laurel Zinssar (Michael) of Oviedo, Fla., Lara Budeit of Annandale, Va., Lisa Devens of Schenectady and numerous nieces and nephews and their children. His sister, Patricia Wagner predeceased him. In addition, he leaves a portfolio of memories to all his many, many dear friends. The family offers heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff of St. Peter's Hospital Cancer Care Center, especially Dr. Ami Neghandi for her sensitivity and optimism; to the exceptional, hard-working and devoted nurses and techs on St. Peter's McAuley 5, and to The Hospice Inn, for providing him with every comfort in his final days. A celebration of Joe Schuyler's life and work will be held next month on February 23, 2015 at Capital Repertory Theatre. For those wishing to make a donation in Joseph's name, please support your local food bank, independent arts organization or a charity of your choice. See website.