About Me

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

I am located in Northern Utah, a very beautiful place which is rich in scenery and wildlife.  It has proven to be an endless source of photo locations and to enjoy the outdoors – and that’s just from the main highways.

Riding horses into the back country in areas that are free from crowds and motorized recreational vehicles is very enjoyable for me.  It truly is a release from the everyday hustle and bustle of life.  In some of these areas I have actually learned the “sound” of deafening quiet.

I have been blessed to be able to do many things in my life and have had many great experiences with one being my passion for the art of photography.

I have been interested and involved in photography for the last 51 years.  During my younger years I was fortunate enough to learn the intricacies of working in my father’s darkroom.  He was, at one time, a professional photographer as well and owned his own studio.  Getting out, planning and photographing a shot, processing the film, and then making the prints in the darkroom is what enhanced my appreciation and love of photography.

Fine Art Landscape and Wildlife Photography is a particular interest for me.  I am almost never without a camera.  There are times I like to go to a location and just plan a photograph, and at other times I’ll just be spontaneous.  How I see the world is evident in my work.  I firmly believe in the words of the legendary landscape photographer Ansel Adams who said “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.”

I am a firm believer that my photographs must be a true representation of what I saw personally.  What you see in my galleries actually existed and are not fragments of several photographs nor do they have fake backgrounds and skies added.

Over the years I have enjoyed portrait, wedding, landscape, nature, macro, product, and wildlife photography.  Currently, I am focusing on fine art landscape, nature, and wildlife photography since it involves travel and being outdoors as well as portrait photography of people and pets on a consumer basis.  I am currently “retired” from wedding photography.

Take a look at my galleries and find out for yourself the beautiful things which exist for everyone’s enjoyment.

CURRENTLY LEARNING

As with any true professional, I am constantly studying and practicing to become a better photographer.  I love learning about the animals and their habits and learning as much as I can about wildlife photography.  I am also learning about judging and analyzing photographs to better my techniques and to assist others in theirs.  I am even experimenting with some impressionistic nature photography.

MY EQUIPMENT

When I was young, I started out using a Brownie film camera.  When I could afford it, I purchased my first SLR camera and telephoto lenses.  I was able to acquire the famous Argus C3 camera and used it for awhile along with my Pentax PZ-1P pro film camera.  While doing portrait work, I purchased a pristine Mamiya RZ67 medium format film camera with three lenses.  What a dream that camera is.  Then came the digital age wherein I have purchased several SLR cameras.  Right now I use 4 Canon SLRs and still enjoy using my Mamiya RZ67.

THINGS I AM ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN / HOBBIES / LIKES

First and foremost, I am actively involved in being a grandpa to six of the greatest (you knew that was coming didn’t you) grand kids ever.  I am also a member of a local amateur radio club and horsemen club.

Some other interests of mine are math; teaching land, marine, and air navigation; flying; horseback riding; fencing (no, the kind where swords are used), and baseball.

Thanks so much for dropping by and please visit my site often.  I will be constantly adding images and blogs.

“There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.”   – Ansel Adams

“There is beauty all around.  All we have to do is allow ourselves the opportunity to enjoy it and to let it influence us positively.  The Master Artist has provided so much for us to enjoy in our lives and to be able to preserve His artistry for others to enjoy is a privilege I relish.”  – David P. Fornefeld

– DAVID P. FORNEFELD