Welcome to
PROCESS: I'm not a very patient person by nature, but over the years my photographic work has certainly helped me evolve into more of one. A big source of that change has been the simple act of waiting, which is such a dominant element in my field process. For example, in capturing animal images, I wait for subjects to arrive at my location or to emerge from cover. I must wait for subjects to accept my presence and for multiple compositions to surface. Often I'm even forced to wait on the changing, available light. Eventually all the waiting ends and everything (hopefully) comes together in the captured image. Then the cycle of waiting begins again.
When we think about animals, it's easy to unconsciously slip into using stereotypes. The problem is that although common images like the "fierce lion" or the "cheerful chimpanzee" carry a little truth, they are also simplistic misrepresentations. A deeper awareness acknowledges that chimpanzees, for example, while sometimes cheerful, are also nurturing parents, creative survivors and even at times, quite graceful. When we're able to suspend our expectations and just patiently observe animals from an open place, something always happens: Undiscovered, beautiful new aspects of them emerge. The images in this portfolio result from personal observations of this hidden grace.
"One day a friend, also an amateur ornithologist and camera enthusiast, telephoned me that he had a live screech owl that some boys had caught in Central Park. When I arrived...we took him to the roof, together with some branches on which to pose him, and in the next hour made a couple of dozen pictures with different poses. We came to the conclusion (given his cooperative passivity) that he must have been injured in some way, although it was not apparent, and therefore could not fly. This surmise, however, proved to be wrong, for when we started to lift him from his perch, he suddenly spread his wings and sailed away in the direction of the park. We watched him until he became a speck in the distance and never saw him again."
L.W. Brownell
American Photography magazine
June, 1937
Although now it's more than seventy years later, I can still easily relate to this photographer's story. In my own experience, I've found that for every 100 wild birds (approximately) that flee upon our meeting, there's usually one that for some unknown reason will stay right near me. At some point during our contact, a moment will arise during which there's a "flash of recognition." That's what I refer to as the brief period of time when either through direct eye contact, gesture, or call out, a bird clearly acknowledges my presence in our shared space. Most of the images contained in the portfolio Flash of Recognition seek to illustrate these varied instances of connection, while others aim only to reflect my emotions during my encounters.
All images are available as limited edition prints ranging from approximately 10" by 14" to 12" by 18" in size. They are personally produced by the photographer on an Epson 3800 wide format printer exclusively using Epson UltraSmooth 17" X 22" professional paper. When properly cared for, the life span of these prints is considered to be in excess of 125 years. Each print is hand numbered, signed, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, which is signed by the photographer. Prints are shipped flat and protected with acid-free materials. Inquiries regarding individual print prices, special sizes, or other questions are welcome via e-mail.
NEW PROJECT-It Matters To Me
Things will be quiet on this site for the next 6 months as I travel and develop my new project, It Matters to Me.
MERIT AWARD-2009 Black %26 White Magazine
Images from the portfolio Flash of Recognition have received a Merit Award in Black %26 White Magazine's 2009 Portfolio Competition. The winning entry can be seen as a multi-page feature in a special, triple-run edition of Black %26 White.
PUBLIC VIEWING-Portland Art Museum
As part of the 2009 Photolucida's Public Art Walk at the Sunken Ballroom of the Portland Art Museum, Chuck will be presenting images from two new portfolios: Flash of Recognition and Material Witness. This event is open to the public at no cost and features fine art photographers from around the U.S. and the world. Thursday, April 23, 2008, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
EXHIBIT-Portland Audubon Society
Collection of bird portraits in the Main Hall at the Portland Audubon Society. Exhibition runs until January 15, 2009.
MERIT AWARD-Black & White Magazine
Images selected from Hidden Grace have received a Merit Award in Black %26 White Magazine's 2008 Portfolio Competition.
AUCTION-Silver Eye Center for Photography
A museum quality print of the image Gypsy Horse is included in the Silver Eye Center for Photography's 2008 auction. Beginning in mid-April, the auction's collection of more than 130 fine art images, including works by W. Eugene Smith and Edward Curtis, will be on view in Pittsburgh at the center. Among other events planned for the opening, Katrherine Ware will present a lecture, The Art of Now: Buying Work by Living Photographers, Saturday, May 3 at the center.
Macaw Landing
Macaws are beautiful, intelligent birds that mate for life. They primarily live in Southern Mexico, Central America, and South America where their habitat is being critically threatened by rain forest destruction.
Macaw Landing is a Portland-based, but internationally focused organization. They support Macaw conservation while building public awareness about their plight. I urge you to tour Macaw Landing and see the dozens of rescued birds there while witnessing the critical work of Jack Devine and his volunteers. 2%25 of all profits from my photography income go to support this non-profit's important work. www.macawlanding.org
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