Joseph D. Clipper (Finding Aid)

Joseph D. Clipper

1937 -

Favorite Color: Royal Blue

Favorite Food: Grapes with seeds

Favorite Time of Year: Spring and Fall

Favorite Vacation Spot: Caribbean Jazz Cruise

Interview Length: 99 minutes

Interview Date(s): May 17, 2004

Interview Location(s): Washington, D.C.

Abstract

Joseph Clipper talks about family background and details pleasant childhood memories despite being raised by his grandparents. Clipper then recalls the sights and sounds of his neighborhood while growing up in rural, Montgomery County, Maryland. Lastly he discusses his personality in elementary school and the negative impressions church left on him as a child. Joseph Clipper talks about his junior high school and high school years in Washington, D.C. and his athletic ability in a variety of sports. He then recalls his early interest in photography to which he credits his traveling daily past the photographic studios on the way to school. Clipper then discusses meeting his estranged father at age twenty-one, after having been primarily reared by his grandparents. Joseph Clipper discusses his early jobs out of high school and the cultivation of his photographic talent while in the Army. Lastly, he discusses his experiences at the John W. Doscher School of Photography in South Woodstock, Vermont, that helped him decide to choose portrait photography as a career path. Joseph Clipper talks briefly about his apprenticeship with photographer Joseph Zeltzman and shares a story about his first encounter with his mentor, the world-famous portrait photographer, Yousuf Karsh. Clipper then discusses his early photographic commissions of members of the Congressional Black Caucus, African dignitaries and of civil rights leaders in the 1960s and 1970s. Joseph Clipper reflects on how he would like to be remembered and offers his advice to aspiring photographers. Clipper then reflects on his life's work and his hopes for the African American community. Lastly, he provides commentary to the photographs he provided.

39 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)