Animals

Animals are a very popular subject for photographs for a variety of reasons. For wild animals the appeal resides in our sense of wonder for all that is wild an natural. I admire nature photographers who, sometimes at great risk to themselves, show us animals that we would normally never see in our lifetime. In the case of domesticated animals, the appeal is somewhat different. While the wild element may be detected beneath the surface of a household pet, it is instead our perception of a distinct personality that captivates us. The responses that I have received on each of the pictures I have posted here all revolved around the animal's personality as perceived by the viewer. For the most part, everyone viewing these animals agreed on the personality traits being communicated through the images. In some cases, however, the viewer's observations revealed more about the viewer than the animal.

All Images ©2007 Greg Petropoulos

Texture

Sometimes an image presents itself because of the textures inherent in the scene. This can occur in closeups and in shots employing a wider angle. In both cases the the image has a more direct visual impact because there is only one predominant element that the viewer must process. Social constructions are absent, and thoughts of artistic intent are are mostly irrelevant. The textures may be appealing, or not, depending on the personal references the viewer brings to the experience. In either case, such images are often compelling and deeply moving.




















All Images ©2007 Greg Petropoulos

Pregnant

Pregnancy offers an incredible opportunity to create inspiring images. It is a time of transformation, both emotionally and physically. The physical changes are apparent, the emotional ones are more difficult to capture. Social attitudes have also changed over the past few decades. Remember when seeing a pregnant Lucille Ball on TV was controversial? Now many women want photographs of this special time in their lives. As a photographer, a pregnant woman is one of my favorite subjects. I enjoy working with someone who is both excited about this new life within her, as well as her sense that she has become even more beautiful. And from a photographic perspective that's true. The curve of the belly adds a dynamic that enhances the form, rather than detracting. One of my favorite pictures is limited to the torso. The form carries the picture. If the form can be combined with the emotion, you have a great composition.




All Images ©2007 Greg Petropoulos

Cemeteries

The day was overcast and threatening rain, but I really wanted to do some pictures. A local cemetery popped into my mind, and I knew I was on the right track. I didn't know what I would find there, but I had to give it a try. The cemetery was bordered by an on-ramp to a major highway (big signs and all), a strip mall, and a Wendy's. While I couldn't do much in the way of panoramic shots, there were a number of interesting subjects to photograph. Since then I have sought out cemeteries for their stonework, often involving religious themes, and natural elements. Old trees and weathered headstones are perfect ingredients for dark, moody photographs.

Night

There's something about the night that I find fascinating. I'm not sure exactly what it is the draws me to the darkness, but I think the dark simplifies things in a rather dramatic manner. The range of subjects for the photographer is greatly diminished, while at the same time certain images become highlighted by the stark contrasts between light and dark. I haven't explored this avenue as much as I would like. My images remain rather obvious given the bold quality of artificial lighting that makes it's subject stand out against the black of night. I aspire to a greater degree of subtlety in both my choice of subjects, as well as my execution.
























All Photographs ©2007 Greg Petropoulos

Things

Things are interesting in that they challenge the photographer to see the mundane and commonplace in a fresh and unique manner. The best test for the success of this type of photograph is whether or not the viewer experiences an "aha" moment. The photographs I appreciate the most have this visceral effect on me. That does not preclude the intellectual stimulation from a clever or well constructed picture. But if the subject does not grab you and pull you in, are you willing to spend the time thinking about it? Oddly enough, the same process occurs when I'm taking the photograph. I am first attracted to the subject on an emotional level. The intellectual work begins when I'm figuring out the best way to create the picture. These pictures followed that process.

All Photos © 2007 Greg Petropoulos

Nature

Like flowers, I feel a certain level of guilt when I photograph nature. Again, nature brings a great deal of beauty to the table before the photographer pushes the shutter button. There is, however, a significant challenge in nature photography that diminishes my guilty feelings. Nature is big, and it takes a trained eye to focus on what is interesting and beautiful. Not everyone with a camera can do what Ansel Adams did, nor does every scenic vista translate well to the photographic medium. In the end, I have mixed feelings toward nature photography. The reality is almost always better than the picture. But there is a high level of skill and expertise (and in many cases, physical hardship), that goes into a good nature photograph. At this point I can only take credit for being in the right place at the right time, and having the insight to see the picture as it presented itself.

Flowers

Valentines Day seems an appropriate time to post some flower pictures. A friend in the art world recently remarked that photographs are winning more prizes at art shows. Unfortunately, they are usually tight shots of flowers. I feel a bit guilty when I shoot flowers, knowing that I contributed very little to the beauty of the picture. A flower is beautiful without my photographic skill, and quite honestly, very little skill is required to pull off a nice picture. One of the few photographers to impress me with his flower pictures is Robert Mapplethorpe. His pictures are truly portraits of flowers and are astounding for composition and evocative quality.




All images © 2007 Greg Petropoulos

Faces

Photography has changed the way I see the world around me. I can't go anywhere without viewing the people and places I encounter as a possible photograph. But it goes beyond seeing the world through a camera lens. I notice it most when I'm around people. I find myself drawn to faces in particular, because so much of an individual's personality is seen in the face. But bodies tell stories also, and, if one spends the time observing, the human story has an infinite number of variations.

Here are a few of my favorite faces.

All images © 2007 Greg Petropoulos