EXPERIENCE
I began photographing as a teenager, and I developed my skills using film (monochrome, color negative and slide). My first camera was a 35mm SLR by Minolta; later I moved to Nikon. I also used Medium Format cameras by Mamiya and Bronica and ultimately 4×5 view cameras. I used a number of systems for determining exposure and development including the Zone System incorporating both Ansel Adams’ and Fred Picker’s techniques. My monochrome work was created in my own fully equipped black & white darkroom. In 2003 I purchased a Canon digital SLR and embraced this new technology. Though at the time digital did not offer the same level of quality as film, this all changed as the DSLR image quality improved. By 2004 I was solely using digital cameras and digital processing to create my photographs.
My early work centered on landscapes and oceanscapes although I wouldn’t rule out any other subjects that caught my interest. I’ve lived in the Northeast, the Southwest, the West and now Southeast and have explored many diverse locations while creating my images. Upon moving to Florida in 1999 I became interested in avian photography and in 2006 traveled to Alaska to photograph Eagles. In 2007 I returned to Alaska to photograph Grizzly Bears. Since then I have conducted my own Alaska Brown (Grizzly) bear photographic workshops there. Since 2005, I have conducted photographic instruction both at field and classroom locations teaching avian, wildlife and landscape photography and basic photographic technique. Currently, I have embarked on an intensive journey to enhance both my technical and visual prowess cutting back on my workshops.
Today I strive to capture the many facets of Florida – from the coastal ecosystems to the freshwater wetland ecosystems to the upland ecosystems. I have again moved closer to my roots as a landscape photographer – concentrating less on avian and other wildlife, though Grizzly Bears are a continuing fascination to me. Each year I travel to locations outside Florida to photograph including Alaska, New Mexico, Maine, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and more.
I am a Certified Florida Master Naturalist; earned under the program created and administered by the University of Florida.
I am primarily self-taught, although over the years have taken workshops with notable instructors to enhance my skills. I am an avid student of technical and esthetic learning materials which I interpret and incorporate into my photographic style. I have studied traditional art theory to better hone my photographic visualization skills.
PROCESS
The creative process to me involves thoughtful contemplation and patience, determining what in a scene interests me and how to translate that into a successful image. Some of that skill is learned, some of it absorbed working with and learning from others but most of it is intuitive. The rules of composition may be employed or broken. Creativity and passion drive the process.
Many of my photographs are pre-visualized; meaning I saw the image in my mind and went about creating it. Other times I look at a scene that captures my attention, asses its photographic qualities and set about interpreting it.
I process my images using various digital methods including Photoshop, Lightroom, DxO Optics, Nik, OnOne and Topaz. I use luminosity masks to provide an enhanced level of control over the light in my images. My photographs are an amalgam of my vision and imagery brought to completion using the best processes and tools available to modern photographers.
I print images up to 24 inches wide in any length in my digital darkroom using Canon or Epson Professional Printers and archival papers, canvas and ink.