Monochrome Visions (Ansel Adams: An Eternal Inspiration)

‘‘Born in 1902, Ansel Easton Adam would become the most celebrated landscape photographer of his generation, a passionate environmentalist who’s black and white landscapes of the American West are still believed to be amongst the finest ever created. There are few voices on the subject of taking photographs that carry as much weight as that of Ansel Adams, and few that provide such a wealth of wisdom and inspiration.’’ (Carr, B. 2017).

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newburyport, 2017

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When I moved to Massachusetts back in 2015, I already knew that I was going to be overwhelmed by the breathtaking landscapes that make New England the beauty that it is. I hadn’t made many connections yet, so the only creative outlet that didn’t include human interaction was to go out and shoot the scenery. I have followed the footsteps of Ansel Adams for all my life, and specifically at this point in my life I needed him the most, I needed to understand what he was looking for and what moved him to create what he created.

I quickly got myself two of his most famous books, Ansel Adams in the National Parks: Photographs from America’s Wild Places and Ansel Adams: The National Parks Service Photographs, which I will add links at the bottom if you are interested. I found myself quickly contrasting the landscape of the North Shore of Boston with what I was seeing in Adam’s creations. I wanted to be like him, share the same passion and become one with nature. I started hiking by myself the woods of Gloucester, MA, finding landmarks that I still utilize as natural backdrops for my current portraiture as well as the power of monochrome and greyscale, which is one of my favorite styles of photography. By sticking to shooting in the Monochrome setting on my DSLR camera, I learned to only see the world in highlights and shadows instead of deceiving my eyes with color.

Adams, had a spiritual connection with nature, one my favorite quotes from him go as follows; “In some photographs the essence of light and space dominate; in others, the substance of rock and wood, and the luminous insistence of growing things…It is my intention to present-through the medium of photography-intuitive observations of the natural world which may have meaning to spectators…” , (Ansel Adams as cited on Carr, B. 2017). The somberness and beauty within the deep shadows of Adams Photography are still clear in my foundations as a photographer.

The woods of New England have done that to me, here I have found my home. While my foundation still lies in the hills of the cold mountain town of Aibonito, Puerto Rico, the groves of Massachusetts have given me the strength to grow my new roots.

Ansel Adams Biography: http://anseladams.com/ansel-adams-bio/

Ansel Adams Books:

Ansel Adams in The National Parks https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ansel-adams-in-the-national-parks-ansel-adams/1119569351

Ansel Adams: The National Parks Services Photographs https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ansel-adams-ansel-adams/1125792419?ean=9780789212993#/

References:

42 Inspirational quotes by legendary photographer Ansel Adams. Retrieved from https://shuttermuse.com/42-inspirational-ansel-adams-quotes-photography/

Here are some more landscapes that I had the pleasure to shoot during 2016-2017:

Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover, 2016

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West Beach, Beverly, MA, 2017

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West Beach, Beverly, MA, 2017

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Merrimack River, MA, 2017

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The Art of Thrifting (Adventures at Brimfield Fair 2019, Brimfield, MA)

When I started creating conceptual photography about 5 years ago, I instantly got the need to have more weapons (props) to my disposal to hopefully add atmosphere to my work. As a new Massachusetts resident, I had no idea where to find props and the thought of Savers was not even within my scope. A friend of mine suggested visiting fairs and antique places and that’s how I came across Brimfield Antique Fair.

The cool thing about Brimfield is that there is a little bit of everything for literally everyone. As cool as that might be, it can definitely get extremely overwhelming (also extremely hot if you go during the summer time). I recommend getting there as early as you can so you are able to walk and take your time. There are hundreds of vendors, it is extremely easy to get carried away and lose track of time. So give yourself plenty of time to browse and look around.

Last time I visited last year, I was fortunate enough to come back home with a massive victorian chair, a 1920’s Vitriola and a lot of old frames! I prefer those since I believe that the frames add history to my prints. I am super excited to be there this year since I have so many projects in mind. The vendors are phenomenal in engaging in conversation and talking about the history of their items and are always super appreciative to have a listening ear. There is a little bit of everything, hopeless romantics bringing their stories, costumes, vintage clothing, prints, frames, records, you name it! If you ever have the chance to go, you wont be dissapointed!

Here is the list of the 2020 dates according to their website: https://brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com/

If you decide to go, let me know! We can thrift and have fun together.

All photos on this blog post were shot on Kodak Portra 400.