Who is Orator Woodward?

Orator Woodward is a 92 year old father, husband, friend and photographer, to name a few of his roles. He grew up post-WW2 and great depression and has seen the world change with his own eyes thanks to technology. His father was a business magnate who passed when Orator was just 17 years old, leaving him with a small inheritance and a drive to see the world.

When did he start photographing?

Back in the 1940s, if you were born with Asthma, there was no cure except to live in a dry climate while your lungs were developing. He was sent to Arizona for school at a young age and learned the dark room there. Some of his early photographs from his childhood are within the archive, featuring cowboys and the Arizona dessert.

How did he start working professionally as a photograper?

In the early 60s, he met Diana Vreeland, then then new editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine. She asked him to supply photos for a few columns within the magazine while he traveled abroad over the summer, which spiraled into a full career working with New York Magazine, Town + Country, and others.

How many photographs are there in your archive?

So far, Serena has located about 2500 original dark room prints and has scanned well over 25,000 negatives. Fine art prints are available of all scanned images, and original archival prints are available upon request and based on availability.

What is the plan with his archive?

We hope to attract gallerists, museums, and institutions to his work. He captured an age of glamor pre-technology and everyone—young and old—has been filled with excitement and nostalgia for a time that felt so pure yet exciting.

How many prints will be available?

All prints are available in an edition of 25 with varying sizes within. Some special releases will be in lower quantity.