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n 1976, I acquired my first professional quality
camera. The following year I lived next to the
Metolius River in Camp Sherman, and worked as
a carpenter at Black Butte Ranch. During my time
at Black Butte I really began exploring my creative
process in earnest.
Flash forward 30 years. The
year 2007 provided the most beautiful fall colors
I have ever experienced in Central Oregon. It
was during this time I discovered the scene you
see here in ‘Speaking Fluent Aspen II.' It
was a two day process. The first day consisted
of brilliant sunny skies, hours of scouting,
and culminated in several photographs taken just
after sunset. I use 4”x5” large format
film, so the results of my efforts remained unknown
in the latent images in my film holders. I was
not satisfied.
The next day I awoke early to
overcast skies. Now that's more like it!
Driving toward Black Butte, I could not conceal
my excitement, or my fears. Would the overcast
hold? Would the wind be blowing? When I arrived,
my heart rate quickened as I discovered the answers
to those questions. I was greeted by fabulous
light, and no wind.
Soon I was zeroing in on
my compositions, having paid my dues the day
before. I narrowed down the infinite possibilities
laid out before me, and addressed the view you
see in 'Speaking Fluent Aspen II'. After staring
in awe at the pure conditions being offered,
the magic moment was at hand as I aligned with
the unique rhythm of Black Butte. At that moment,
my vision shone as 30 years of experience coalesced
into... 'Speaking Fluent Aspen II.'
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