AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
KEVIN RIVOLI
Kevin Rivoli is a photojournalist whose work is published daily in newspapers and magazines across the country.
In 1987 Rivoli decided to pursue photojournalism. He taught himself how to shoot and landed his first full-time job at The Citizen in Auburn, New York, in 1988. In 1989 he was selected to attend the prestigious Eddie Adams II Workshop. That same year he was also was named National Press Photographers Association’s Region 2 Photographer of the Year. Since then, Rivoli has won numerous state and national photo awards, including Region 2’s POY again in 1991 and the New York State Associated Press Bruce Cromie Award in 1999. After eight years in Auburn, Rivoli became an assistant photo editor in Rochester, N.Y. In 2000 he decided to return to shooting as a full-time freelancer, with a client list that includes the A.P., the New York Times, and USA Today, among others.
While he loves photographing major sporting events and famous figures, one of his passions has always been photographing ordinary people doing ordinary things.
A Norman Rockwell enthusiast, Rivoli has always felt connected to Rockwell’s work and credits the American icon with inspiring his passion for celebrating the ordinary and embracing the simple, everyday moments in life that happen all around us. It’s that inspiration that leads to Rivoli’s book project. In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America was released by Simon & Schuster on Nov. 1, 2008. Unprecedented in concept, the book pairs Rivoli’s spontaneous photographs side by side with Rockwell’s iconic paintings, demonstrating that Rockwell’s America did – and still does – exist. In addition, the book inspired a traveling exhibit that featured Rivoli’s work alongside original Rockwell paintings. That show opened in June 2009 and toured the US, Canada, and Japan for two years. In addition, Rivoli continues to work on books and gallery exhibits. In 2016 Rivoli rejoined The Citizen as a staff photographer and was named National Press Photographers Association’s N.Y./International Region Photographer of the Year in 2017 and 2018.
AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
KEVIN RIVOLI
Lens Magazine: Hello Kevin! Thank you for this interview. We would like to start from the beginning; let’s talk about the way you have become a professional photojournalist. In 1989 you were selected and attended the prestigious Eddie Adams II Workshop; that same year, you were also being named National Press Photographers Association’s Region 2 Photographer of the Year. What is your background in photography?
What led you to this respectable recognition?
Kevin Rivoli: I’m a self-taught photographer and was lucky to land my first daily newspaper job at The Citizen in Auburn, New York, in 1989. Under the mentorship of photo editor David Grunfeld, I documented life in the communities we covered. Hard work, long hours, and a passion for visual storytelling led me to a fruitful career.
Lens Magazine: You have a large variety of subjects you are focused on, from firefighters to car accidents, and the projects we find most interesting and impressive: The Athletes. What has been your favorite place/subject to photograph?
Kevin Rivoli: I enjoy photographing people in all situations. Whether on the sports field or on the streets, I look for the subtle nuance in my photographs to celebrate the ordinary in, hopefully, an extraordinary way.
Lens Magazine: What are the challenges associated with sport/Athletes’ photography?
Kevin Rivoli: The challenge to covering sports and athletes is to go beyond the action and find the reaction. Pictures that demonstrate life in the microcosm that is the arena of the field of play.
Lens Magazine: Is there any experience you remember in particular during the sport shooting? Some Athlete who really surprised you or any experience you were extremely impressed by?
Kevin Rivoli: I’ve learned how important these photos are to the athletes I cover because only a very small percentage go on to play as professionals. So my images become keepsakes and historical reference points in their lives.
Lens Magazine: You have published several photography books available on Amazon. We find the book “In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America was released by Simon & Schuster on Nov. 1, 2008” as a most exciting book. Would you like to share what led you to publish a book covering the American Society?
Kevin Rivoli: Rockwell’s work was dismissed by many critics of his time as an unrealistic interpretation of American life. I found, throughout my career, that the America Rockwell painted then still exists today.
Lens Magazine: Is it connected to your view on the Unity & Division in the world today?
Kevin Rivoli: I selected this image of the basketball triplets because it represents family unity. Whatever words you choose to describe it – community, village, country, nation – it all works when we consider ourselves family. Working together towards a common goal for the success of all.
Lens Magazine: I assume that you can see more unity than division in the sports field, but maybe it’s just an illusion, and as in all areas, the division hides in the background. What do you think of that?
Kevin Rivoli: My experience has been that, for the most part, sports is a place where we put aside our differences and compete for the love of the game, win or lose.
Lens Magazine: What has been the most challenging photo stories you’ve worked on to date? Why?
Kevin Rivoli: The most challenging stories for me are not on the sports field but on the homeless living in the streets. I have revisited that story too many times over the years, and it never gets easier to look at.
Lens Magazine: How has your perspective on the professional photography field changed over the years?
Kevin Rivoli: Technology has made us all photojournalists in one sense or another. The more we see ourselves, the more we understand ourselves.
Lens Magazine: What advice do you have for aspiring photographers/photojournalists or those starting out in the field?
Kevin Rivoli: Master the mechanics of photographer early on so you can focus on finding the nuance in life through your images. Learn from your mistakes and life’s lessons to help you see the image within the image. Be inquisitive and patient.
Lens Magazine: What gear you’re using, and what is the importance of this gear you choose for the success of your work.
Kevin Rivoli: I use Nikon D750 and D500 with an assortment of lenses and lighting gear, as well as my trusty iPhone.
