photo: Steven Meckler
Photographer: Tim Fuller
Years Downtown: 40
Specialty: freelance photographer
Favorite Subject: Whatever is in front of his camera.
The perfect word to describe photographer Tim Fuller would have to be “longevity.”
A list of his various accomplishments that demonstrate extended tenure goes way beyond hyperbole. He’s been the official photographer for both Arizona Theater Company and Arizona Opera throughout their existence; not to mention shooting publicity photos for many other national and international performing arts organizations over a span of decades, in seven countries and 40 states.
His studio has been in the same 6th Avenue building since 1970. He’s owned 135 S. 6th Ave., with public artist/sculptor Barbara Grygutis, for 20 years. From this location, he’s watched downtown’s waxing and waning, the ebb and flow of activity (“Every 5 years another ‘downtown plan’ comes along”) and currently observes construction of the Unisource building just across the street, whose design he and other neighbors influenced, offering input and suggestions. He sees real and welcome growth, even in this diminished economy.
When Fuller found the building he still inhabits, the place began to hum with creativity; dancers (Tucson Ballet started there), actors and artists moved in. Terry Etherton opened his gallery on the second floor in 1981, and various retail stores and restaurants have occupied the ground floor, culminating with Janos Wilder’s new Downtown Kitchen Cocktails.
Fuller’s studio on the second floor of the building has the high ceilings, wood floor and airy spaciousness that suit his purposes admirably. Over the years of his professional life, a series of assistants have acted as his apprentices, students and trainees, many of whom went on to become professional photographers themselves.
Beginning as a UofA student and working for the Wildcat, Tim gradually focused on performing arts as a vehicle for his creativity, thereby achieving his current expertise and renown, although his work isn’t limited to that category, but includes portraits, interiors, landscapes and commercial genres as well.
He embraced digital technology early on and loves the ease, immediacy and technical flexibility it offers.
Tim’s advice to neophytes: “Learn how to visually communicate, rather than being a photographer.”
His love of the theatre world infuses all his photos with dramatic tension and a profound understanding that is viscerally apparent. As one theatrical artistic director told me, “It’s so obvious that he gets it.”
Visit Fuller’s virtual gallery at TimFuller.com.
