“Technology is just a tool” – Clifford Ross (Photographer, Artist, Inventor)

This year marks the 40th anniversary of my high school graduation. These sorts of milestones are cause for all kinds of thoughts, emotions and actions. In my case, it has motivated me to seek out some of my classmates and see what has become of them. Primarily, I was curious about their work and careers.

One such classmate of mine is Cliff (Clifford) Ross. In simple terms, one would refer to Cliff as a photographer. In reality, he is an artist, and an inventor.

His work has been shown in exhibitions since the mid-1970′s, but it is his more recent interest in extremely high-definition panoramic images that is most interesting. Cliff’s eye and mind saw detail that existing cameras could not capture. And that’s where the fun began.

He set out to design a new kind of device that would capture images down to the most minute detail, at impossible distances. He cobbled together a bit of magic to accomplish his goal. Even Cliff was surprised to discover that his device could become patented (and did). Cliff was just glad it worked as he had envisioned.

In this 7-minute video, you’ll meet Cliff, see his finished work, and learn how he came to develop this incredible camera.

To me, the interesting elements are innovation, creativity, and seeing beyond what is now, toward what is possible. He didn’t set out to be an inventor, but his curiosity and art drove him to this end. To me, it is also a reminder that whatever-the-tool, the most important element of a photograph is the eye, behind the camera.

In world of too many formulas, knock-offs, and repetition, Cliff’s story is a rare one. It is the quintessential example of thinking-outside-the-box. I find it fascinating and motivating. I think our 4th grade art teacher, Mr. Nohn, would be blown away.

Andy Ebon
The Wedding Marketing Authority