Gallery Photographers Image City Feature Articles
If you are unable to visit our gallery and would like to purchase photographs from this preview or others in the gallery, please contact the gallery and call 585-271-2540. | Peter Marr's and Partners'Picks of the Show Fur, Fins & FeathersPeter Marr and Gallery Partners have chosen their "Picks of the Show" click here to return to the details of the exhibit
All images copyright by the individual photographers
Siblings
A photo Safari to
Tanzania is a lifetime dream for many nature photographers, and Dick has
explored this opportunity to the fullest, resulting in a portfolio of
magnificent images of diverse subjects, that are outstanding in every
way. One can feel his passion and love of nature in every print, and
many of them have powerful and heartfelt stories to tell. I really
admire the incomparable photographs of the cheetahs, from the creatively
captured print of the mother training her cub in “What do you see,” to
the family portrait Siblings,
which is equally superb. I decided to comment further on the latter
because of the added wonderment that a mother could successfully raise 4
offspring almost to adult stage. It is very evident from the mature
facial and body designs and similar colorations that they are all from
the same family. This awesome quartet of young cheetahs are probably
used to safari vehicles stopping on the trail in order for visitors to
photograph them. It is as though they are posing proudly as a united
group, although the one in the center and the one lying on the ground
appear bored by the whole process. These two animals would much prefer
to be seen utilizing their phenomenal speed in running down prey, a feat
much harder to capture even on a safari. The ambient illumination
elegantly and impressively captures the resplendent colorations and
visual patterns of these remarkable animals to perfection, framed
creatively against the out of focus backdrop of their natural habitat.
The powerful long legs clearly show why cheetahs are so fleet of foot
and have no natural enemies except for man. With so much speed potential
and high intrinsic intelligence, nature has rewarded the cheetahs with
outstanding bold markings and striking color variations that set them
aside from many of the other members of the large cat family. This is a
glorious image of awe-inspiring grandeur and power, a real tribute to
nature, motherhood and survival, all incomparably captured by a justly
acclaimed nature photographer, Dick Beery.
Peter Marr
Toadfish
The astonishing
beauty and magnificence that nature has created below the ocean’s
surface is only now being revealed, thanks to the advances in
photographic equipment, and to the consummate skills and talents of
photographers like Chip. He has expertly combined his diving skills with
his photographic expertise to give us an outstanding exhibition of
underwater images. Of all of Chip’s memorable prints, I chose the
striking image TOADFISH, to comment further on. In this stunning and breathtaking
print, the initial impact is of the amazing symmetry that this fish
projects, an astounding feature that is greatly enhanced by the black
background and the light sandy foreground, the latter capturing a
supporting shadow pattern as the fish effortlessly floats in space. The
amazing colors and incredible pattern variations have been captured to
perfection by the flash exposure. The delicate but deadly spines fan out
in matchless unison, acting like a counterbalance to the hair-like
structures radiating out from the fish. No tree bark could offer such
intricate and amazing designs, horizontal and diagonal fissures of sheer
beauty even the surrounds of the eyes form a continuance of these
remarkable markings. One wonders why nature went to such extreme lengths
to give the toadfish such a myriad of majestic patterns. These dramatic
designs would certainly make the toadfish a standout in the underwater
environment that it frequents, yet one wonders what its prey sees, and
perhaps the overpowering impact transfixes the prey into immobilization,
and hence into an easy dining delight. With the toadfish’s slightly open
mouth, it appears that it is posing for the photographer, although it is
being careful not to show its rows of teeth with a genuine smile. It is
as though the fish was in a studio set-up, looking so meticulous and
splendid as it looks directly at the camera, but it is of course a
direct result of Chip’s creative talents. This is an underwater gem,
certainly treasured by him and all the viewers lucky enough to see this
exhibition.
Peter Marr
Stalking Leopard This superb image of a leopard in its natural
environment is charged with danger and excitement, together with
unsurpassed beauty and anticipation. To photograph one of the world’s
endangered cat species, even when on a safari is an achievement in
itself, but to capture this magnificent animal in such an imposing
manner is a once in a lifetime triumph. The native habitat provides
ideal camouflage for the leopard stalking its prey.
One can feel and sense the high drama in this situation, from the
steadfast focus of the eyes, right through to the tip of the upswept
tail. There is complete silence as the leopard passes through the path
between the tall grasses, so graceful is the animal’s measured
movements. Although he has to stalk and kill his prey for survival, you
have the feeling that the leopard is offering a token of kindness and
honor with the upturned right leg in which the claws in his giant paw
are respectively retracted. The leopard’s massive and powerful body
dwarfs its surroundings, and with ears fully raised and eyes locked onto
the target, any prey in its path would be filled with fear and dread.
The indigenous hues and colors of the background impressively complement
the resplendent designs and colors of the leopard, helped greatly by the
soft but revealing ambient illumination.
Everything about this powerful image rejoices in the perfection
that nature offers, and Joel has to be highly commended for capturing a
rare opportunity so brilliantly.
Peter Marr
Chilly Stare All of Paul’s excellent images creatively
illustrate his oneness with nature and feeling of a direct relationship
with the subject matter. These attributes are clearly seen in his
outstanding print of a red fox, titled,
Chilly Stare, What is
particularly memorable in the latter is that the fox has been
photographed against a snowy landscape creating a high key head and
shoulders portrait of charm and beauty that visually is remarkable. The
soft direct ambient lighting, aided by the natural fill light from the
surrounding snow, results in an image of warmth, clarity and color that
is truly exceptional. The sharpness and exquisite detail captured in the
fox’s face, together with the lovely color palette of hues that range
from pure white through a delightful range of creamy and reddish browns
to the intense blacks of the nose and eye surrounds, all of these
features combine to make this portrait so outstanding. With a strikingly
detailed slightly-open mouth and piercing glowing eyes that are fixed
directly on the photographer, the immediate impression is that one is
looking perhaps at a warm, cuddly animal. Nothing of course could be
further from the fact, especially when one observes the teeth of this
fox, particularly the two large canines in the front of the mouth. Even
though this red fox is representative of a highly intelligent and
cunning breed of carnivores, one cannot take away from the fact that
Paul’s delightful image is both captivating and inspiring, creatively
captured by a photographer who loves and admires nature.
Peter Marr
Eagle Strike
The symbol of the United States, the American eagle, always attracts the
viewer to the majesty of this bird. Paul has captured this wonderful
bird in a decisive moment, when its wings are stretched out to maximum,
the feathers splayed out on the wings like knives Its talons are out,
ready for a prize meal just below the surface, pity the poor fish!
This photo captures the awe of this moment. Paul uses selective focus so
that all of the viewer’s energy is sent to looking at this majestic
bird. This eagle gives you the sense that is the master of the universe.
Fawn Drinking
Peter
Marr is a valuable participant of the Image City Photography
Gallery community. Since 2008 he has volunteered to write a few
critiques (Peter’s Picks) for almost every show at the Gallery.
We appreciate the work that he and his fellow conspirator and
wife, Maureen perform for the benefit of guest photographers and
the enjoyment of patrons to the Gallery.
Peter’s
photos in this show were shot on Kodacolor 100 or 200 and
printed on Ektacolor paper between 2001 and 2002. They were
selected from an exhibition of his at the Roger Tory Peterson
Institute of Natural History in Jamestown, New York, November
22-January 24, 2003.
The
richness and tonal quality of Kodacolor film is on display in
Peter’s exhibition. One can clearly see the subtle changes of
color of the fawn and grass. The perfect lighting enhances the
splendor and texture of the coat of fur that can almost be felt.
The lush green of the grass and blue of the water give context
to the world of the fawn.
Peter
shot the photo in a vertical format, appropriate for a portrait
of a fawn. The fawn is shown fully and fills nearly 75% of the
frame. The vertical format itself creates some tension that is
emphasized by the oblique stance of the fawn with its hind legs
on higher land than the one foot in the water. The fourth leg is
somewhat blurry and is moving perhaps as a balance, or downward
for further support or as a beginning of a movement out of the
water. The ripples emanate from the front leg in the water and
the fawn appears to be just about ready to take that drink – a
decisive moment.
The light
is directed towards the head of the fawn, which is in sharp
focus as is the foreground. This light and focus as well as the
shaping of the legs and the reflection in the water all bring
the eye back to the center of interest or ‘catch light’ in the
eye.
This
wonderful photo evokes the familiar image of a human or other
animal bending down for a cool drink in a pond or stream
magnificently.
On the Lookout
The majesty of the “large cats” is presented in this wonderful
photograph. Quiet power is the hallmark of these beautiful creatures,
and this subject reflects this brilliantly; showing its strong shoulders
in a quite resting pose, but ready to spring at any moment to chase down
the days meal.
Moonlit #1
Although Iceland is one of the more popular destinations today,
Greenland is often overlooked. It is amazing to remember that the bulk of the ice
berg’s mass is below sea level…making these even more amazing.
Michelle has utilized the bands of clouds in the background sky
along with striations in the ocean to create a dramatic contrast with
the iceberg.
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Image City Photography Gallery ♦ 722 University Avenue ♦ Rochester, NY 14607 ♦ 585.271.2540 In the heart of ARTWalk in the Neighborhood of the Arts |