Artists

I have photographed continually since receiving my first camera in my early 20s. Before long I had a home darkroom with a then antique Federal enlarger. I worked in my home darkrooms for over twenty-five years, first in Oregon, then in Alaska. That, plus four volumes of Ansel Adams’ Basic Photo series (which I still own) constitutes the core of my photographic training.  I also was influenced by long association with a close friend who was a painter, print maker, and art teacher. I was struck by his eye for shape and design and his sensitivity to color. From Adams I developed an appreciation for expressive light and rich tonal range. Years of outings with my painter friend, each of us pursuing our own work, allowed me to explore the varying qualities of painting and photography.  I sometimes look at paintings to help me think through a photographic challenge.  Occasionally I am asked if a photograph is actually a painting.

I create both black and white and color images and do my own printing. My preferred subject has been landscape, but I’m also interested in cityscapes, industrial scenes, travel, wildlife, and whatever else takes my attention. As I have matured in photography I more often find that light is my subject. I have also learned that the strongest images seem to find me if I’m a receptive state, but elude me if I go looking for them.