about

the photographs

Black and white photography is direct, impactful, and honest. It communicates the essence, emotion, and raw beauty of the subject. In addition to the emotion conveyed by a black and white image, it also provides a pure translation of the content and lays bare the structure of the composition.

Geography of Place

The Berkshires, Great Barrington, Massachusetts

Great Barrington, located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, is my New England base camp.  It is located in a scenic river valley with the Housatonic River flowing along the edge of beautiful and historic downtown.  Boston and New York City are each about 2 1/2 hours away.  The Hudson River Valley and the many artisans that reside there 30 minutes to the west.  

The Berkshires are beautiful, subtle, and infused with history and culture. A very different landscape and character than the west, to be sure.  Landscapes of the Berkshires are open in places, and not as open as Northwest Colorado.  Elliott Porter is known for what he described as “intimate landscapes.”  I will borrow that term to describe what is prevalent in the Berkshires. The light seems softer, too.  Not sure how else to describe it.  

I continue to travel, and add to my evolving portfolio of place, landscape, and people.

Colorado

Recording the natural and man-made world is a way to practice photography and refine my eye. Much of my work is from western Colorado. The vastness of the west, the solitude, and overpowering beauty are recurring themes. Wherever my work takes me, my intention is to tell a compelling story through a photograph.  A memorable photograph conveys a sense of place, and connects people to that place and moment. 

Photography is bringing order out of chaos.

Ansel Adams

When in the west, I primarily document the “the real and imagined west.” “Real” in the sense that the authentic west is a place of beauty, independence, and reverence for nature embedded in our country’s history. “Imagined” in the sense that the iconic landscapes of the west are part of our country’s mythology. 

Capturing the authentic west, set against the backdrop of constant change, whether it be cultural or environmental, directs my work. Ideally the images remind us to protect the landscape and cultural heritage of the west.

Steamboat Springs Colorado

Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a beautiful place, and is an ideal setting to capture images of western landscapes.  There is a mix of ranching and agriculture, outdoor recreation, natural landscapes, wildlife, and stunning beauty available outside our front door.  The Yampa River flows through downtown, and is one of the few free-flowing rivers left in the west.

There is a thriving creative community, and an incredible diversity of cultural activities for a small mountain town. There are photographers, graphic designers, musicians, fine artists, actors, writers, and every other type of creative imaginable.  

There are also a multitude of venues for artists to share their work and creative talents. This ranges from a historic downtown theater to a modern performance hall, and many other indoor and outdoor locations for the performing arts.  

The backstory

Photography is an integral part of my life. As a youngster, I would borrow my Dad’s camera and explore the mountains around our home. On family vacations, and wherever adventure led me, I sought to capture on film what I saw and felt.  I marveled at the pictures of Alfred Eisenstadt and Ansel Adams.  Looking back, that begins to explain why I have a passion for black and white photography.

A career and family redirected my trajectory, with photography continuing to play a supporting role.  When photography once again knocked on the door, it was welcomed with open arms.

Publications and Media

Art with Altitude Magazine, Featured Photographer, 2022

5280 Magazine, Denver, Colorado, Contributing Photographer

Ensō