Photographer out to capture special moments in time in exhibit

It's funny how seemingly minor things can lead to other bigger, better and totally unanticipated things.

Take the janitor's job John Broussard got at a Bakersfield, Calif., photo studio back in 1968, when he was 18. As it turned out, the owner of the studio ended up teaching Broussard the basics of photography and photo processing, and even bought Broussard his first camera.

That simple, unexpected twist of fate piqued Broussard's interest in photography and kick-started what would become both an avocation and vocation.

Starting this weekend, Southern Nevadans can see for themselves what a four-decade-old instance of happenstance can produce with the opening of "A 40-Year Journey: Faces and Places," an exhibit of Broussard's work at the West Las Vegas Arts Center.

The exhibit will run through June 27. At 2 p.m. on April 11, a free reception with Broussard is scheduled.

Broussard was born in Oklahoma and grew up in Bakersfield (which, Broussard notes, will be represented in the exhibit by photos he took in the '60s).

After studying at Bakersfield College and California State University, Los Angeles, Broussard spent 23 years in the Air Force. After retirement, he continued working for the Air Force in multimedia management and facilities management at Nellis Air Force Base and Edwards Air Force Base.

In 2007, Broussard retired from the military and now devotes his time to his photography. His credits include work on CD and book covers and photos that have been published in Ebony, Jet and other magazines.

For Broussard, the appeal of photography remains "being able to take a picture, to get that shot, that moment in time, and get a reaction from people. I'm always looking for creative ways to express something."

Broussard's portfolio includes nature photography, photojournalism and just about every other sort of photography. But, he says, "my love is portraits," because they enable him to "bring out that inner beauty and the inner person. We all have unique features. I try to capture that."

Now, Broussard hopes that, in viewing his work, some young person might become inspired -- just as he was four decades ago -- to "reach out and want to strive for something positive in their life."

Contact reporter John Przybys at jprzybys@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0280.