Peter J. Crowley

Fine Art Photographer

Black & White and Me Changing Philosophy of Seeing 50 Years On.

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Spare change? Chip in on my paypal link.  Posting these stories is very time consuming. Or by mail, my address is on the contact page.

All the moneys gone no where to go.. I will keep delivering that magic feeling

Thank you peace

When I was 1 -2 years into creating Photographic Art, 1973. I had developed a style that included rigid composition, technique and presentation. No cropping, Walker Evans print quality, Focus a must.  This image from the late 90’s never made it to the darkroom. Perhaps a cursory glance as I looked at the film. Nope to flawed.

Now as I look again at old images todays sensibilities see a moment on this afternoon in #Willimantic. Recently I I saw a portfolio of

Romualdas Rakauskas Lithuanian master Black and White photographer.

An online photographic artist friend told me about his passing. A master has helped me to see deeper.

Out takes from sessions where the subject and me could not reach an understanding of what I wanted. This image from a test for my Woodnymph series. Not what I wanted but alright as a stand alone

My live long friend, Ken Morgan both of us artists from back to the 1970’s in Coventry Ct

Poised this thought. “how or why things get so clear so late in the game or is is it just me? …..another possibility “

I told Ken that it was pretty clear. Simplicity, seeing as a child so much peace and life to view and explore.

Willimantic 1999 the eyes all the metaphors apply. I like open conversational eyes windows to the soul.

Moments brief lasting forever. I have so many to relive, some to share conversational images that rarely receive a verbal response maybe the eyes speak, but no words to me.

To keep the focus is on seeking the highlights of my life is what keeps me alive. I also see the shadows as an effort to celebrate the highlights keeping negative space in composition not dark thought.Saturday, 9/25 a self portrait One more recent image before I head back out the door. 

Peace my friends 

 

September First through the Seventh

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New images from a tough few days.

Sept 1st a weed, a very pretty weed cut by accident put in my Heineken vase. This “weed” has provided me with a new bloom most days over the last two weeks. It doesn’t know that we humans think it is an invasive weed.  Myself I think it is pretty and wonder about what or who may be an invasive species?

A photo bombing moth on my bark image. I did not see it then while I adjusted the camera contrast to make another sans moth. I didn’t even see it on first review. Cunning little moth. 

On the seventh of September this roofs triangle came together. Perhaps a year or more I have watched and pondered this image. Diagonal wires often in the way or the light was wrong, but on the 7th the wires pulled tighter I guess from the most recent wind storm. Light, time of day and time of year and I have my triangles. If you have been fortunate or trapped in a discussion of photography, art and composition you know how I feel about triangles in seeing, creating.

Back to Sept first one from a two minute session a very fine two minutes. Perhaps I should add another? 

Molly’s Gate in a creative way. Molly was my intern, driving force in the publishing of my second book, Another Door Entered. We would walk, I would talk about composition and shooting film. She saw this and knew there was something there.  During her hours with me the gate always had the wrong light. We shot post processed still no magic or story. I was pretty sure it was morning light needed to tell a tale. Well apparently early afternoon light in the beginning of Sept. was jut what She/We wanted.

Color and a breeze on Sept 6th. The variegation with the approach of Autumn applied the color variations. But where are the triangles, motion and what role does the negative space play? Triangles are apparent throughout  the leaf’s with a left to right focus drop off providing a gentle movement. Aperture, distance and angle of view paint the negative space.

Another from my September 6th stroll a couple hours after my most recent hospital release. Image made and seen always seeing as an artist creating verbal images to communicate my emotions.

Color just vibrant color, simple, warm, waning afternoon summer light on Sept. sixth. Light is my pen to write stories to you with my emotions. This pen has many thoughts expressed through tonality.

This man stopped to ask about my building landlord as he seeks a home. Of course I would have to photograph him before divulging this data. I’m happy, he’s happy and I bet he’s still blessing me and talking. Humanity adds the color to life even when composted in Sepia toned B+W.       

 

 

peace.

Black and White  Gallery

 

Neighbors faces around the block and beyond.

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Some of the people I’ve met on the street around the block and beyond.

A familiar face around by circle.

V.A.C.A.T.I.O.N cause it’s summertime.  An old song from an old guy.

August 19th around noon dogs pose for their close up. 

August 21st I came upon mom and dad. “Forget the Paparazzi  I need a nap.”

July 27th a hot day they pause to sit for a portrait. 

August 15th Steve pops in from Norwich Ct. Old friends who always come by when visiting relatives.  Steve, his brother and Jeanne make my day.

As bright as her Roses that I have been shooting for years. 

July 19th doing some yard work for her mom. Sweet when children are around to help their older parents. I have a sweet daughter who does things for me.

A friend up the street a journalist we often converse on media today and in the past.

One day when I was tall in the milk refrigerators at Safeway.  Her choice was on the top shelve looking for an employee I stepped in reached it for her and she said yes to a portrait. 

July 7th out strolling I needed a place to sit and tie my shoes. I called to her can I come sit in the other chair? To tie my shoe? We sat for 5-10 minutes talking before she agreed be photographed.  Sparkling eyes.

 

Peace pjc