Scott Higdon Q&A

Scott Higdon
Age: 35
Born: Owensboro, KY
Hometown: Wherever the Army sends me
Blog: Scott's Trip to Baghdad

Scott is currently deployed in Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He will be there for approximately one year. I was able to interview Chief Higdon via email.

When did you begin shooting photos?

My first real experience with photography happened when I was 13 years old and living in Owensboro, Kentucky. It was during my freshman year of high school back in 1984 when I had convinced my parents to let me sign up for an elective photography course. This course was normally used as a filler class for seniors looking for electives and my parents had reservations. They finally gave in to my constant persuasive arguments, but since I did not have my own camera, I would have to use my father’s Canon AE-1; they agreed.

I was very fortunate to have a photography teacher who could lay out basic photography processes in an easy and understandable manner and who also loved to share her life’s lessons in this incredible medium. We started the course, as many students do, by creating our very own pin-hole cameras, but instead of using coffee cans or oatmeal cans, we used thick poster board that we fashioned into a camera box and used a piece of aluminum cut from a soda can with a tiny hole in it as the lens. We developed the positive print from this lesson and when I saw the finished image, I knew this is something that I wanted to pursue. Since then I have been experimenting in a myriad of photographic techniques using different papers, films, and digital media.

Did you go to school for photography?

The only formal photography training I have acquired was the one course offered in high school. However, I am very fortunate to have a great friend, John London, who is a very experienced photographer. Over the years, John has taught me a variety of techniques while mentoring me personally. John has also instilled in me that I should take pictures for myself and not for the expectations of others. He is a constant inspiration and I thank him often for his time and patience. John was recognized for his excellent photography by winning the 2004 Adobe Digital Imaging Competition.

John sounds like a great mentor, how did you meet?

I met John through my wife Margi. John's wife has been Margi's best friend since they were eight years old. We also lived within an hour of each other and on family gatherings, John and I would spend a lot of time discussing photography and his collection of Leica and rare cameras. We have known each other for about 18 years and keep in constant contact. John is now the elected president of the Owensboro Photography Club where he mentors large groups and shares his passion for photography.

What do you like most about the photographic medium?

Simply put, I love to capture a moment in time knowing that no one else will ever have the exact same picture. Yes, some may be very similar, but it will always be an original capture as seen through my eyes. In addition, just about anyone can pick up a camera and the possibilities are virtually limitless as to what you can capture. Based on your perspective and approach, a photographer can create a mood or evoke emotion; it is a very powerful medium.

How did you end up in Iraq?

It all began in 1988, I was 17 and a senior in high school and decided that I wanted to serve in the military as a way to “do my fair share” to help protect our way of life. Just a few months after graduating from high school, I headed off to Fort Knox, Kentucky for basic training. Since then, I have remained on active duty and have been fortunate to be able to travel and live in Europe and all along the east coast of the United States; from Georgia to Washington, D.C. My current assignment requires me and my family to live in Heidelberg, Germany. Because of the deployment rotation schedule, they are now living there while I am deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I will be here for approximately one year. Since my deployment, I have traveled to Balad, Abu Ghraib, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and am planning on visiting several other areas prior to my departure.

Any unique experiences since you've been in Iraq?

My most unique experience while deployed has also been the most humbling. I visited the Abu Ghraib Prison Complex and was provided a tour of the entire compound. I was able to meet the people that work there and discuss their intense daily schedule, constant contact with the prisoners, and the almost daily mortar attacks. When we visited the guards, there was one that stood out and really impressed me. This particular guard is a 19 year old female National Guard member who joined the National Guard to be a Supply Specialist; instead, she is detailed to be a prison guard where her days average no less than 12-14 hours standing outside in the 100+ temperatures. After her long shift is over, she is then required to contribute her time to the group chores such as water and mail detail. Her normal work day can last about 14-16 hours for 6 days straight. With all that said, the impact of her cheerful and jovial spirit made me even more appreciative of the entire mission being accomplished here in Iraq.

Did you get a picture of her?

No, I was not able to get a photo of the guard, I was in a secure area, with detainees, where photography was prohibited.

You must be very close to your friends and family back home. What does your support system look like?

My support system begins with my wife, Margi. She is there for me and supports me in ways I could only hope. An inspiration to me and our children, she is a strong, creative, and compassionate. As I tell her, she is my raison d'être and without her I would not be. We have been married for 17 years now and I cannot imagine my life without her by my side. My children also encourage me and are patient while I take their photo over and over. I believe they have become numb to the constant photography sessions and have begun to expect that I will photograph them at any given time. I am in constant contact with them during this deployment and they are my source for strength to get me through the separation and difficult times.

What do you plan on doing once you go home?

Upon my return to Heidelberg, Germany, I will continue to photograph the people and the local scenery, but I will spend more time with my loved ones and not take the time we have together for granted.

This entry was posted by Christoph, on June 7, 2006. You can leave your response.