Christopher McCall

About Episode 77

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha talks with Christopher McCall, the Founding Director of Pier 24 Photography. They discuss the history of Pier 24, how he transformed the raw space to create a unique gallery experience, and the final exhibition, Turning the Page, which runs until the end of 2024. Additionally, they touch on his upcoming book, Photo Book Photo List, which will be published by Pier 24. This episode is packed with valuable life lessons, experiences, and wisdom from both Chris and Sasha, offering insights for artists at every stage of their careers.

About Christopher McCall

Christopher McCall is the Director of Pier 24 Photography in San Francisco, one of the largest exhibition spaces devoted to the medium. In 2002 McCall received an MFA in photography from California College of the Arts, studying under Jim Goldberg and Larry Sultan. After teaching for seven years, he joined Pier 24 Photography in 2009 as the founding director, assisting in the conceptualization of the organization’s mission and oper- ating principles. Since opening the doors of Pier 24 in 2010, McCall has overseen the presentation of thirteen exhibitions and spearheaded the creation of the Larry Sultan Visiting Artist Program, a collaboration with California College of the Arts.

What advice do you have for emerging photographers?

Go to openings, fairs, lectures, etc. Understand the mediums history and your specific lineage in it. Build community. Seek feedback. Embrace failure. Listen to you voice. Be patient. Keep making work. Stay curious.

Is there an image by another photographer that has influenced you in your career?

I am inspired by the work of Henry Wessel!

Henry Wessel was more than just a friend and mentor to me; he was a profound influence on my life and understanding of photography. Our regular lunches, where we delved into conversations about love, life, and photography, were more valuable than any formal education I could have received. From these discussions, I gained insights and perspectives that shaped my approach to both the medium and my personal growth. Hank taught me the importance of seeking out meaningful relationships and engaging deeply with others who share your passion. Find your own “PhotoNerd”—someone who inspires you, challenges you, and explores life with you. These relationships are the bedrock of creative and personal development, offering a knowledge, inspiration, and support.

Artist Links:

Website
Instagram

People & Resources:

Ed Panar, Stephen Shore, Rineke Dijkstra, Larry Sultan, Imogen Cunningham, Jim Goldberg, Chris Johnson, Frish Brandt, Fraenkel Gallery, Andrew & Mary Pilara, Rothko Chapel, The Asian Art Museum, SFMOMA, De Young Museum, Erik Kessels, Matt Lipps, Hank Willis Thomas, Maurizio Anzeri, Daniel Gordan, Melissa Catanese, Allie Haeusslein, Libby Black, Cindy Sherman, Richard Avedon, Robert Frank, Masahisa Fukase, Rosemarie Cromwell, Donovan Smallwood, Vasantha Yogananthan, Rinko Kawauchi, Ed Templeton, Walker Evans, Carl Watkins, Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, Roy DeCarava, Paul Graham, Diane Arbus, Lee Friedlander, Eadweard Muybridge, Henry Wessel, Sandra Phillips, Ann Tucker, Sarah Greenow, Peter Glassai, Mark Steinmetz, Garry Winogrand, Chuck Close, Rahim Fortune, Baldwin Lee, Alejandro Cartagena, Chico Review, Martin Parr, Robert Adams, Vince Aletti, Graciela Iturbide, Wolfgang Tillmans

Looking Forward: Ten Years of Pier 24 Photography

Photographers Looking at Photographs: 75 Pictures From The Pilara Foundation