What Makes "Fine Art" Photography

Photographers have struggled with the question of why some photos seem to be accepted within the fine art world, and so many others are not. The world of fine art has, until recently, managed to lock the door to photographers, but that is changing. Today's photographers are simply producing images that not only unlock that door, but have exploded the door off its' hinges.

Galleries and collectors alike are now welcoming the photographic genre into the club of fine art.

So, why is the door remaining closed to so many photographers? Why are so many photographers frustrated by the rejection they feel from the art community? Is the world of art still closed to the medium of photography, or could it be that it is just more demanding of excellence? I would argue the latter. Like painters and sculptors, not all photographers warrant admission to the club. Sadly, the world of photography is now overrun with folks who have the resources to purchase the very best of photographic equipment, but lack any of the skills to create meaningful photo images. Far to many, some who have been very successful in other endeavors, seem to think they can now move into photography and make their mark on the art world. While it may have taken these folks years to achieve a level of success in the business world, these same folks seem to feel they can shoot some photos, exhibit them at local art shows, and then magically be recognized as "fine art photographers." This line of thinking continues to amaze me. After over 30 years in the business, I still use everyday of shooting as a way of growing.

Photography is so much more than taking a picture. My studies have not been concentrated on photographic technique. That is something that is easily learned, and requires little thought. Instead, my focus has always been on what makes an image special. What makes a strong composition? What role should light play in this singular image? Can a different angle make for a better image, or can a lens choice change the way one sees the image? Can my eye see the image in multiple ways? Can I see the image before me in print? Would I want this image on my wall? All questions that must be answered before the shutter is clicked, but ignored by so many new to the photo world.

Fine Art Photography.........I think it is earned.......not learned. I believe it is limited to those who were born with a gift, and who have chosen to develop that gift, and I believe that those of us who have the joy of earning our living as professional photographers are the luckiest people on the planet.

Hot Spots For Birds in Winter

Birds are certainly not the easiest subject to include in a photo, but you can greatly increase your chances if you understand some of their basic needs. Most of us think about feeding the birds in winter, but we neglect something even more important. While some food remains abundant during the winter months, in many locations water does not. Sources of open water are a must for our feathered friends, and, if you take the time to locate such sources, you'll be astounded by the birding activity to be found there.
Not far from my home is the head of an underground spring, and this constantly moving water is a life saver for wild birds. As the temperature gets colder, more and more birds arrive to drink from the spring. While all other sources of water have long since frozen, the 55 degree water bubbling up from the spring provides an endless source of water for the birds, and a great place for this photographer to perch.

The Sandhill Cranes Have Returned

Once again, the Sandhill Cranes have returned to Dayton, Tennessee. Each year we look forward to the sound of over 15,000 Sandhills filling the skies with their song and flight. It's really one of the most amazing sights in the world. Traveling thousands of miles each fall, these magnificent birds return to the marshes and the fields of rural Tennesse. I am one of the lucky ones, as these birds fly over my house each morning and each evening as the go to feeding areas around Dayton. Each year I go out looking for the perfect image of these birds, but as yet I have not found it. Perhaps it's the hunt that makes it so much fun. For whatever reason, I just can't seem to get enough of these incredible birds.

Rappahannock Wildlife Art Show Print of the Year

For over two decades, the Rappahannock Wildlife Art Show has highlighted some of Americas' finest wildlife artist and sculptors. This wonderful gathering of artists has endured, while so many other shows have sadly disappeared. It stands as a testiment to the high quality art and the dedicated artists, who each year present their work to an audience of enthusiastic wildlife art collectors.

For the first time in the history of the show, a photographer has been selected as "Artist of the Year" , and I am so proud to have been given that honor. As is the tradition, I will be signing and giving out 3500 prints of my image "Bluebird and Berries." This photograph has never been printed, nor has it ever been seen by the public. I look forward to sharing it with everyone.

Be sure and join us the third weekend of March 19 - 20 in White Stone, Va. for this wonderful weekend of wildlife art and just plain fun.

Just a Walk in the Woods

Recently I had the chance to spend some quality time in Smokey Mountain National Park, where I love to just walk. As a bird photographer, I have found countless images by simply strolling through secluded areas in search of the slightest movement or simplest song. Birds, like humans, seem to love the solitude of the forest, and perhaps that is what draws me to them. Deep in the darkest of forests one can find the most incredible beauty. Sadly, far too many of us fear what we can't see, and so we pass by the beauty that lies just past the end of the road. I believe that life is too short to miss what is beyond the road, and I love the exploration of the darkness. I think life would be so much richer if we could all learn to trust the song of the bird that calls us.

Finding Color in the Smokies

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. Maybe it's the cooler mornings, and perhaps the crispness of the air, but I love Fall. Here in the Smokey Mountains of eastern Tennessee we wait patiently all year for the spectacle of fall color. Here our trees put on a display of color that rivals any show on earth. When the conditions are just right, Smokey Mountain color can be like something you just can't imagine. Although some years are better than others, every fall is worth a trip to see what nature has provided for us all. I have yet to be disappointed by any fall in these wonderful hardwood mountains. So......come see what you are missing. The show has started, and you still have time before the curtain falls.

Catching the Light

So much of my work is conditional upon the lighting available at the singular moment in time that I need to hit the shutter button. Too often, clouds, tree branches, blowing grasses, or whatever else can destroy an otherwise perfect moment for a photograph. An amazing amount of my time is spent simply waiting for the light to get right. Sometimes I find myself just sipping a coffee, as I wait for hours to see what the light is going to do to my subject. But, when it finally comes, and when you're ready for the magic moment........something special can happen.

The Annual Hummingbird Migration

Here in east Tennessee the annual fall migration of hummingbirds is well underway. Each year I look forward to the first two weeks of September, when swarms of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive to fill their tummies with nectar, before beginning their long flight to Central and South America. Our gardens become alive with the flying little jewels, and I grab the cameras and go to work. Hummers are one of my very favorite subject, and I might add one of the toughest to photograph. To say they are fast....is an understatement. These little guys can move out of the frame in a fraction of a second. Their extreme territorial nature makes them almost impossible to capture with a camera, but after years of practice, I seem to have come up with a plan of attack. I love these birds, and I love the joy they bring to so many people around the world. Let's face it.......their Special.

Pelicans of the Gulf

For nearly all of my life, I have been an environmentalist. I have taken pride in the fact that I have tried in every area of my life to make this world a better place, a place where the beauty that I have seen would remain for my children and grandchildren. Through my photography and my art, I have worked to show the world the wonders of nature, and the beauty it holds for all of us.

Several weeks ago, when we all heard the news of the BP oil leak, I knew the world was about to change. I sensed that this was not going to just pass, but that something major had just occurred and that the very nature of it would change our lives. Many of my friends thought perhaps I was just over-reacting to an event that would soon be cleaned up and forgotten. At times, I thought perhaps they were right......maybe I was over-reacting. But now I know better.

Last week something called to me to visit the Gulf and to see for myself what had happened. So, I and my wife decided to just go down for a few days and have a look for ourselves. We both had an idea in our minds of what we would find, but neither of us were prepared for what we saw. Beaches in late July empty of people. Hotels empty. Parks empty. Restaurants empty. Highways and roads empty. Retail stores empty. Million dollar condos empty. For Sale signs everywhere!

You really can't prepare yourself for what has happened and what lies in store for the people of the Gulf in the years to come. Keep in mind that only one well experienced a leak. Nearly three thousand wells remain in the Gulf, and every one of those wells was put there with the same lack of regulation as the BP well that leaked. Also, remember that those wells have been in place for decades and can potentially develop problems at any time. No sane person can look at this situation and believe that we are not going to see more failures in these existing wells. People in the Gulf know and understand that many more hammers are yet to fall. Tar balls on the beaches of Mobile are just the beginning of what is to come in our future. We, all of us, have stood by and allowed oil companies to drill off our shores with very little regulation and almost no enforcement. Our thirst for cheap oil has made us close our eyes to the dangers of this kind of environmental disaster. Not BP nor the government of the U.S. should shoulder all the blame, as we all must look in the mirror and admit our part in allowing this to happen. This is not about oil on birds or beaches, but rather about our willingness to sacrifice the planet to satisfy our desire for cheap fuel. You, me, our children, our neighbors.....all of us owe the planet an apology. WE DID THIS......you and me. It's time to call those who represent us and say enough of this nonsense. Please......make one call and start a movement.