Introduction to APUG

[naturephoto1]

Hi to everyone here at APUG,

I have participated for the last several days on APUG, but wanted to make a formal introduction.

I live in North east PA and am primarily a Fine Art Photographer specializing in Nature, Landscape, and Wildlife. I am a multi format shooter using Leica SLRs, Rollei TLR, Mamiya 7II, and whenever possible my Linhof Technikardan 45S. I shoot on transparency material- almost entirely Fujichrome Velvia and Provia 100. I sell my work primarily through Fine Art and Art and Craft shows though my work is also sold as stock, and I have taught workshops. My work has been used by some of the major names in the industry, but I only mention this in passing and have no intention of blowing my own horn.

All my work is digitally scanned and printed digitally, but is originally in an analog form (transparency). The finished photos and associated digital scans are prepared to be as close to the original transparency as possible. The digital technology that is used is entirely for the purpose of maintaining what is in the original, relying on this technology for spotting, dodging and burning, and adjustment of contrast. None of my work relies (at least at present) on double exposure. Nothing is ever added to the images, and generally only minor retouching is performed to remove something such as a twig or blade of grass that was either not viewed in the viewfinder or was not possible under the field conditions. Finished work is printed on Fuji Crystal Archive photo paper by Chromira and if need be Light Jet printers.

Presently after a hiatus of some years of shooting, I am again trying to get myself and cameras (especially the Linhof) out to create new work.

Look forward to having lots of positive interaction with others on this site in the future. Also, look forward to continued discussions with those that I have already met onsite including Robert, David, and Kev.

Rich

 

[roteague]

Rich,

Thanks for the introduction. It was good to hear from you yesterday on the other thread. Our method of producing prints has a lot in common. Welcome aboard. If you have time, consider joining us in Toronto next month for the APUG conference.

 

[Robert Hall]

Very nice work on your site. Why don't you tell us what inspires/motivates you to make such great images?

Welcome to Apug,

 

[philldresser]

Rich,

Thanks for the introduction. It was good to hear from you yesterday on the other thread. Our method of producing prints has a lot in common. Welcome aboard. If you have time, consider joining us in Toronto next month for the APUG conference.

Welcome Rich

I am sure Roteague will appreciate someone else who does colour work. Excellent shots on the web site, congrats

Phill

 

[wfe]

Welcome Rich from Southeastern PA (West Chester) and I have to agree with the others on your work. This is a great community.

 

[naturephoto1]

Very nice work on your site. Why don't you tell us what inspires/motivates you to make such great images?

Welcome to Apug,

Hi Robert,

Thank you for the very high compliment. I will provide you with some thoughts. But I am not sure if this is entirely what you wanted but should certainly tell you a bit more about me, my photos and how I work.

I found that at an early age that of about 6 or so I had some interest and some natural talent for photography. Though never having any formal training per se in photography, I was a member of and former president of my camera club at one time and have taken several workshops (some with a friend that was the instructor). My actual formal training is both in Geology and Ecology/Zoology (Grad Degrees in both). These subjects have as a result been the subject matter for much of my work. Buyers and potential buyers have suggested that my education comes through in my photos.

Like most of us that are landscape photographers (is also true of any 2 dimensional artist) we are building on those greats that came before us. If we have viewed work by any of the greats that have preceded us or are our contemporaries they have influenced our work. That is true whether it is positive or negative. Certainly for me Ansel Adams (for B & W) and David Muench (for Color) both considered by many as the "Fathers" of their respective mediums have had a positive influence on me. Like Adams and Weston and others of the f64 School I strive for the incredible depth of focus when possible and the near far relationships. Like Muench and many other Color (in particular) and B &W photographers, I particularly enjoy working whenever possible in "Magic Hour". I am particularly in awe of nature particularly on the grand scale including mountains and places such as the western USA.

Understanding light is of prime importance to most landscape work and I generally believe that light is generally one of the 2 or 3 most important aspects of a successful image. Additionally a strong and successful photograph should cause an emotional response and whenever possible tell a story. I enjoy working with the warm "Magic Hour" light that I have mentioned, but I also look to use this with strong line, shape and form, color, and when possible texture. However, with my work, perhaps unlike some other landscape photographers, I personally like to use these very strong lines to "lead" the viewer to something generally the most import or one of the most import parts of the image.

As a color photographer having some knowledge and appreciation of color theory and in particular primary and secondary colors is of great value. Additionally knowledge of 2 dimensional composition "theory" is of great value to any 2 dimensional artist. The artist must however decide for himself or herself if they wish to follow or break theory "rules".

Rich

 

[Robert Hall]

Thank you for your thoughts. I consider it quite difficult to photograph in color. I feel that color distracts in my images what I try to convey to the viewer.

My hat goes off to those who work in color and are able to convey emotion and hold the interest of the viewer.

Again, welcome aboard.

 

[Christopher Walrath]

Welcome amongst the PUG's, Rich. We have some area (more or less) stuff going on at the Mid Atlantic group site. There is also a New York regional site you could check out.

 

[naturephoto1]

Hi Christopher,

Thank you for the additional information and invitation for both the Mid Atlantic and New York regional sites.

Additionally, for anyone that wants easy access to my website, I am now including a signature that includes the website.

Rich

 

[David Brown]

Welcome to APUG.

I, too, shoot some color. Years ago I did the lab work myself, but it became uneconomical. However, I think I will look into digital for printing purposes, as I won't be wasting any chems in this fashion. And finding good color labs is getting harder and more expensive.

Glad to have you aboard.

David

 

[MattKing]

As I said (indirectly) in the other thread...

Welcome !

Matt