Why Does That Surprise You?
“Really, you’re an auto mechanic?”
For some strange reason the thought that I fix cars for a living takes people by surprise. The idea that an image they profess to love was created by someone who gets grease under his fingernails seems completely foreign to them. As if creating art and having one of the bluest of blue-collar jobs is somehow mutually exclusive.
I don’t get it. Is there some “standard” career path that artistic people are supposed to follow that I’m unaware of?
While a few people upon seeing my photographs have expressed surprise that my “real” job in not that of a professional photographer, (I can’t thank you enough for that one Cindy!) Most know that is just a dream for the time being, and that I do “something else” to pay the bills. So when clients or buyers find out what that “something else” is, a look of total bewilderment comes across their face. I can almost see their brain working as the try to reconcile the art before them and their image of a dirty, greasy, auto mechanic.
I’m not complaining nor am I even the slightest bit offended by their surprise, I just don’t understand it. Maybe if more of my photographs looked like the one below, would they be less surprised?
Maybe I’m not alone in this, what is your “real” job? And are people surprised that someone in your field can create something beautiful, whether it’s photography, painting, or some other art form? Id love to hear your experiences.
Or, if you’re one of those that are surprised at the images I make coming from a “grease monkey,” Why Does That Surprise You?
Re-Igniting A Passion.
“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.” Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It
Long before I ever picked up a camera, I was an avid fly fisherman, though I’m not sure “avid” even begins to describe my love of the art of casting a fly. Back when all I thought about was achieving a perfect, drag free drift, I spent as much time in the mountains chasing fish as I do now chasing sunrises.
There was something so peaceful and relaxing about casting a dry-fly to rising trout. And there is nothing like the satisfaction of catching a wary trout on a fly I’ve tied myself. Unfortunately fly fishing has taken a back-seat to photography the last few years.
The photos seen here were all created by request for someone who contacted me looking for fly fishing photos to give as a gift. Since I had no fly fishing images in my portfolio, I was eager to get right on it and create a series of images from which they could choose.
Little did I know that I would also be receiving a gift in the process. A gift in the form of a rekindled desire to cast a fly, to be on the water attempting to entice a fish into accepting a hand tied fly.
Having been so busy getting my photography off the ground, I hadn’t realized just how much I missed fly fishing until I started making these photos. The rods will not be so neglected this coming year.
Saving the best for last, if only because these were the ones chosen, these last two, both 20″ x 30″ (51cm x 76cm) canvas gallery wraps, are to be Christmas gifts for someone who will hopefully be very happy with what Santa brought them.
My New Years Resolution for the coming year, put the camera down more often, and pick up a fly rod.
See you on the river!
BUY LOCAL ART!!
Give the gift that lasts all year long.
It’s that time of year again, the time for holiday gift giving. What better way to do it than to give the gift of local art. Since nobody really wants to fight the crowds on “Black Friday,” just to buy the same gift a thousand others have bought (do they?), why not give a unique, one of a kind piece of art from a local artist or crafts-person?
Starting today, November 20, and lasting through December 10, I’m offering 20% off site wide with the coupon code: BLACK20. That’s 21 days of Black Friday savings!
Thank you, BUT…
Here’s the important part. While I would be very appreciative should you choose to give one of my images as a gift this Holiday season, the main point of this post is this:
BUY LOCAL ART!!
Support your local photographer, painter, woodworker, sculptor, well you get the idea. Avoid the Mall and the Big Box stores, support the arts and BUY LOCAL!
Impressions Of Autumn
Dedicated to Valentina. She asked to see more abstract images, and I’m happy to oblige. Enjoy!
Weekly Photo Challenge: Urban
As Urban As I Get.
This weeks WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge theme is “Urban.” Since I had already made plans to head into Portsmouth, NH today (Saturday) anyway, I was in luck. Also, since I would rather have a root canal than step foot into a “real” city, Portsmouth would have to do.
The weather wasn’t completely cooperative this morning, and fog prevented me from getting several of the photos I was hoping for. All in all, still worth the effort.
Portsmouth is an “artsy” town, even the graffiti is top-notch.
Okay, maybe not ALL the graffiti is top-notch.
Nothing says New England…
…like a towering white steeple above downtown. Unfortunately the fog made for less than inspiring skies as a backdrop.
Not a bad way to get around town.
I hope these images were “Urban” enough for you.
Fine Art Photography
What is Fine Art Photography?
Fine art photography can be referred as photograph that is taken according to the photographer’s intended vision and creativity. It is also a masterpiece of art to showcase the artist’s idea through their desire to create something beautiful to be behold. Like the work of a painter through paints and brushes, so does a photographer with his/her camera and gears.
