When I created my first Harbinger image, I broke the “centering” rule.
When I created the next and the next and the next, I centered them also. It just felt right.
But about a week ago I created the new image above, and decided not to center the cloud. I’m not sure why.
The definition of “harbinger” is:
\?här-b?n-j?r\ noun
That is exactly what I see when I create each Harbinger image, a foreshadowing of future events.
At 14 years of age, I knew that I was destined to be a fine art photographer.
Even at this early age I found myself drawn to a particular style of image, one that would literally cause a physical reaction in me. They were dark images created by Adams, Weston, Bullock and others. At age 14 I knew that I was destined to create such images.
An important early influence in my life and my art was the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley.
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
for my unconquerable soul.
~
In the fell clutch of Circumstance,
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of Chance,
my head is bloody, but unbowed.
~
Beyond this place of wrath and tears,
looms but the Horror of the shade,
and yet the menace of the years,
finds, and shall find me, unafraid.
~
It matters not how strait the gate,
how charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
~
For me, this poem evokes dark images which form the inspiration for my photographs. Darkness in my images represents the trials of our human existence while the light represents the strength that comes from the realization that we are the captains of our souls.
Primordial Soup – Bullard’s Beach, OR – 2008
I consider this my best image from the Bandon, Oregon trip. It’s a 30 second exposure of the ocean and a swirling pool caught on the beach. When using long exposures, you have to try a variety to get that exact right look.
This was taken using my Canon 1Ds Mark III and using my Vari-ND 8 stop filter along with a stacked Mor-Slow 5 stop ND filter. These 13 stops of Neutral Density (ND) allow me to shoot at 30 seconds under the brightest conditions. There are many challenges however, including holding the camera still for that long and people walking into your image.
