Archive
Usually a Straight Shooter, Sometimes, my Imagination Runs Wild.
Fantasy Island, Many Locations, Over Many Years
I am primarily a straight shooter, I try to capture what I see. There is often some type of post-production required, but again, with my subjects being natural, I try to keep them that way.
Every once in a while, I have been known to create something that I saw, but only in my mind’s eye. Case in point, Fantasy Island. A composite image of various portions of many different images I have created that come together in an M.C. Escher..esque type fantasy. Taken over many years in places from Niagara Falls to Carlsbad, California, an Oregon lake to a waterfall in Boulder, Colorado and many more. Following the image around, water flows down then up again, there is a full moon, yet lightning strikes in the distance. Horseback riders on a Washington State beach, mystic lake boaters and even a Roseate Spoonbill from the Florida Everglades flying across the scene.
Taken together, this an example of how the overly creative side of my mind works. The black and white helps produce the seamless nature of the composition, the rest of it, I can’t really explain…it just happens.
The Unpredictability of Mother Nature / Unexpected Snow
Wikipedia defines snow as “forms of ice crystals that precipitate from the atmosphere (usually from clouds) and undergo changes on the Earth’s surface. It pertains to frozen crystalline water throughout its life cycle, starting when, under suitable conditions, the ice crystals form in Row Boat in Snow Storm, Colorado 2010
the atmosphere, increase to millimeter size, precipitate and accumulate on surfaces, then metamorphose in place, and ultimately melt, slide or sublimate away.” To me, it’s magical from a photographic point of view. The scene above occurred in June after an unexpected, instantaneous snow storm that began and ended within an hour on an otherwise sunny spring day, a couple of weeks before summer. I used a tripod held camera from under a covered tree so as not to get everything wet.
- Momentary Blizzard, OH 2013
The scene above also took place without a moments notice. One minute it was clear as day, the next minute brought blizzard conditions, and then it was clear again. Due to the instantaneous nature of the event, this was shot through a car window that had to be opened and closed quickly due to the power of the momentary storm.
Prone Grey Wolf in Snow, West Yellowstone, MT 2010
Finally, a few years back I was shooting wolves in West Yellowstone just outside the National Park. I had spent a good part of the day trying to capture iconic images of these beautiful animals. As luck would have it, just before i packed up my gear, it began to snow. Clearly not concerned by the sudden change in weather, this Grey Wolf laid down in the wide open for a rest, always mindful of his surroundings and I captured this image as he peaked out through the falling snowflakes. Again, a tripod mounted camera with a 400mm lens, shot from under cover and protected from the subject.
Just goes to show that you should always expect the unexpected and that anything worthwhile…. is worth waiting for.
BSG Recognized by 2017 International Color Awards
BSG Recognized in the 2017 International Color Awards
Pelican’s Rest, Biloxi, MS 2010
© Barry Steven Greff
THE 10th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL COLOR AWARDS HONORS PHOTOGRAPHER BARRY STEVEN GREF FROM THE U.S.A.
LOS ANGELES (3/10/2017) – Professional photographer Barry Steven Greff of the U.S. A. was presented with the 10th Annual International Color Awards Nominee title in the category of Silhouette. The ICA is one of the industry’s most important events for color photography.
10th Annual Jury members included captains of the industry from Christie’s, New York; Contemporary Art Society, London; Sotheby’s, Paris; ING Collection, Netherlands; Y&R, Malaysia; Preus Museum, Norway; Art Beatus, Hong Kong; Ogilvy & Mather, Amsterdam; Whitechapel Gallery, London; and J. Walter Thompson, New York.
“It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the 6,178 entries we received this year,” said Basil O’Brien, the awards Creative Director. “Barry Steven Greff’s “Pelican’s Rest,” is an exceptional image entered in the Silhouette category and represents contemporary color photography at its finest.”
INTERNATIONAL COLOR AWARDS is the leading international award honoring excellence in color photography. This celebrated event shines a spotlight on the best photographers worldwide and honors the finest images with the highest achievements in color photography. http://www.colorawards.com
# # #
Contact: Barry Steven Greff
Telephone: 305.576.8400
Email: barrystevengreff@gmail.com
Website: http://www.barrystevengreff.com
America….My Country, Tis of Thee
Through the lunacy these days of our political “landscape” (pun intended), it is crucial for us all to remember the simple basics for which we stand. From the physical beauty of our land to the inner
Nubble Light, York, Maine 2004
beauty of so many of our good people, it is a national pride that should join us all. To me, these classic images created along the coast of Maine are the epitome of the feeling of Americana. The commonly shot Nubble Light above was perfectly lit at low tide when I came upon it while two seabirds were circling the tiny island that sits 100 yards off of Cape Neddick Point.
I watched as the two birds circled, and timed the shot so that one bird fit the composition of the scene in the sky while the other blended into the image just above the little red shed.
New England Light, Maine Coast 2004
The bottom image was shot at dusk in what was again, perfectly warm New England light. The tiny white specs on the rocks and in the water are seabirds settling in for the night.
I will never forget stopping to ask directions from a local to the best place to eat lobster. He was out for an evening walk and did everything short of drawing me a map, going well out of his way to make sure that I knew exactly where I was going before I pulled off.
To me, these are true examples of America…and, btw, the lobster was unbelievable.
Patterns in Nature / Seeing is Believing / Sometimes…Less is More
Circumstances beyond my control have kept me from creating new work for a while, so I have been reaching into my archives, which are very deep. This post is about seeing patterns in
Flamingo Feathers, 2013
nature. When I would look at a scene to photograph, I crop it in my mind to create the maximum impact. The flamingo’s feathers were all that were required here to showcase an example of the beauty of natural patterns. In the image below the patterns of this spider web became more
Beaded Web, Weston, FL 2011
pronounced by the beaded drops of water after a light rain. Again, although the web spanned between two fence posts in my backyard, omitting them from the composition made the image.
The lesson…sometimes less is more.
BSG’s “Niagara” Recognized in Photo +, PDN’s 2016 EXPOSURE Awards
This week I am honored to have my image “Niagara” chosen as the winner in the “Natural Forces” category in Photo+, Photo District News’ (PDN’s) sixth annual EXPOSURE Photograhy Awards. Billed as a “global celebration of photography,” it truly was as winners of other categories hailed from: INDIA, LONDON, BANGLADESH, SAMOA, SOUTH KOREA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, BRAZIL,
Niagara, 2006
JAPAN, ITALY, BAVARIA, HUNGARY, NORWAY, FRANCE, PUERTO RICO, RUSSIA and PORTUGAL.
To see the other honored images visit: EXPOSURE Awards
As always, I greatly appreciate the recognition.
NATURAL DESIGNS/ Birds of a Feather / COLOR ACCENT A PROJECT
I have been communicating and connecting on LinkedIn with many Interior Designers as of late.We have been discussing residential and commercial properties… and in my humble opinion, so often, I see a beautiful project with perfect lighting and spectacular design, yet there is
Peacock Triptych, 2015
Flamingo Triptych, 2014
something missing. To me, the pièce de résistance should be impactful Fine Art Photography that brings the space together. Images, that by themselves, evoke an unsolicited “wow” response from the viewer. Imagery that the visitor will think about well after they have left the property…and that they will long remember, as well as where they saw them.
Contact us directly at: barrystevengreff@gmail.com… to discuss your next unforgettable project, additionl images for which can be viewed at: http://www.barrystevengreff.com
Diary of a Fine Art Print / Amongst other things, it’s all in the Details
Niagara, 2006
(Cropped portion of people and bird from- Niagara, 2006)
The discussion as to what makes a Fine Art photograph is one for the ages. I have long respected the genre and have worked diligently to hone my craft. Although there are various definitions of what makes a photograph fine art, I subscribe to a more tradional theory that such an image is created with an aesthetic intention, that the value lies primarily in its beauty, rather than for journalistic, editorial or commercial purposes. I also believe that the image should tell a story, be unique, iconic, powerful…or all of the above. As beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, so goes a fine art photograph which usually entails vetting by those respected in the field. Knowing this, I fearlessly spent my early years placing my work in front of some of the most well respected photographers, gallerists, curators and collectors in the business. With the help of their support, the work was widely published in fine art magazines, exhibited in galleries across the U.S. and over time, a significant resume was built.
I believe that one of my signature images, Niagara, clearly exemplifies these equalities (shot from atop a hotel two miles away to capture this angle)… It has countinously been singled out by many of those alluded to above, in that the composition juxtaposing the grandeur of the falls with the minutia of the toursists indicates just how small we humans are in comparison to the forces of Mother Nature.
After getting past the composition (and then lighting, both of which cannot be adequately discussed in a blog post, if at all), I personally take significant pride in capturing the exacting details of a scene, whether it be the people in this image or the fine feathers in one of my close-up animal portraits.
Then, finally, and consistent with the teachings of the great Ansel Adams himself, capturing the image is only one half of the process. The printing (again, not something that can be covered here), is crucial to the creation of a fine art photographic print. Being true to the process, I hand print each of my images (up to 17″ x 22″) on a professional Epson 3800 printer using Hahnemuhle Fine Art Pearl paper and I personally oversee the larger prints to make sure they are color correct (again, another significant concern for another day) and that they print without a single unexpected blemish.
Finally, I pride myself on the key details of my images being “tack” sharp, as exemplified by the enlarged cropped portion of the image above. Although some of the older images can go only so far, as a perfectionist, I have gone through an entire roll of paper (athough thankfully not often) in order to ultimately create a single large print for a collector, and to my exacting standards. When a gallerist who regularly sells the work of masters such as Ansel Adams and Edward Weston calls my prints “magic,” I know that I am doing something right.
Hence, there are many sources by which one can obtain a Fine Art print. I simply offer one that is created in my mind’s eye…and always from my heart. It is universally accepted that the first rule of collecting fine art photographyy is to actually enjoy the work. Hence, I strive to create images that make the viewer not only think…but feel, and I have been honored to have satisfied a wide array of selective collectors, and look forward to doing so for many others in the future.
And Now for Something Completely Different / Time for a Change
Fantasy Island, Ode to M.C. Escher, 2006-2010
Albert Einstein is attributed with the clever quote: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” Although it has come into question as to whether or not he actually said it, it is still both catchy and thought-provoking.
After an absolutely awful year of health, which is still challenging me through the new year, it leads me to think it would be insane not to try something new going forward. That being said, my work has always been known for its rendition of Mother Earth’s natural beauty with very little, if any, help from post production “magic.” Notwithstanding, over the years, I have (secretly) dabbled in the creation of scenes which have been born in my mind’s eye and then generated from several composite images I have captured over time.
Hence, for the first time seen beyond my eyes, one of my more complicated compilations, Fantasy Island. Created from over a dozen images taken over several years, this is truly one that the viewer can see new things at every different turn. Produced in the mystical style of M.C. Escher, following the composition around, brings you back to the beginning…or does it? It’s enough to drive you insane.
I Ain’t Lion / King of Beasts / Magnificent Creatures
Old Lion, 2009 King of Beasts, 2008
With the illegal killing of a beloved protected Lion (Cecil) this week in Africa, I was moved to post two of my favorite Lion portraits from my Series: Of the Wild. The younger male on the right might not have the wisdom of the older one on the left, but the distinct scar on his nose indicates he has been around.
Either way, the beauty and majesty of these creatures cannot be denied and they should be cherished for all those that will come after us to enjoy them…(at a safe distance).
For some great TV fiction on the relationship between humans and animals, watch James Patterson’s ZOO each week on CBS. http://www.jamespatterson.com/books_zoo.php#.Vb6mKvlViko
Happy Father’s Day 2015 / Make My Day
BSG’s Parental Guidance in Duncan Miller Gallery’s YourDailyPhotograph
Parental Guidance, 2010
BSG’s image: “Parental Guidance” made the daily post of YourDailyPhotograph http://eepurl.com/bk2i8b (right above the image of Marilyn Monroe by the great Richard Avedon).
In the recent past images from Henri Cartier-Bresson, Andreas Gursky, Richard Misrach, Andre Kertesz, Edward Burtynsky and other photography legends have appeared in YDP
The site is sponsored by the Duncan Miller Gallery http://www.duncanmillergallery.com/ of Santa Monica, CA and YDP appears in 74 countries. My sincere appreciation to the DMG/YDP for exhibiting my work.
Trying Saatchi Art / Approaching Storm
Approaching Storm, Florida Everglades, FL 2012
The slanted rain of an approaching storm signals Mother Nature’s nearing onslaught. Storms move very quickly in the Florida Everglades and can be seen from great distances due to the lay of the land. I, for one, have been caught in more than my share of downpours when I waited too long to get the best image, and she punished me for it.
Recently I have tried showing some of my select Fine Art Prints for sale on the Saatchi Art Collection at http://www.saatol.us/1K9YK3d
Hopefully, there will be an approaching storm…of new collectors.
Timing is Everything…Even When it Isn’t
Low Tide, Nubble Light, York, Maine 2004
Staying with some of the older, classic images from my archive, I post this rendition of the (very) often photographed Nubble Lighthouse on the Coast of Maine http://nubblelight.org/. One of my earliest Fine Art images captured digitally, the natural light was gorgeous and the low tide exposed the waterline on the rocks when we arrived at the spot from which the famed lighthouse is most often viewed. Knowing I had to try and add something to the image that made it my own, I noticed that there were a couple of seabirds flying continuously around the island on approximately the same path during each turn. I set up my tripod for the best composition and followed the birds in my minds eye as they circled. When I felt I had one placed in the perfect position, I clicked the shutter. The other bird is actually blurred in flight directly below the bird in the sky, and in front of the white picket fence.
Hence, my timing worked out, thanks to some great light, and a couple of cooperative…and predictable, seabirds.
Nostalgia / Early Work
Swan Song, Brightwaters, NY
Having been unable to get around to shoot for some time, I became nostalgic for some of my early work. This image was entitled “Swan Song” because the swan and surrounding ducks are framed by the hanging branch and together they resemble a musical note. This was so long ago that it was originally shot on film (I went digital in 2004).
Back then I was a member of the Kendall Camera Club http://www.kendallcameraclub.org/ which still exists and exhibits some great work. Swan Song won Picture of the Year at the club, then along with getting my first images published in magazines, those accomplishments jump started my foray into Fine Art Photography.
Since I have a number of early images that bring back fond memories for me, at least for now, I will post some old work that has not been previously shown, …some oldies, but goodies.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow
Birds Eye View
Bird in Sawgrass, Florida Everglades, 2012
Having been out of sorts for a long while, seemingly with the weight of the world upon you, tends to manifest the feeling of isolation. This image captures that feeling wherein the weight of a common South Florida black bird known as a Grackle is supported by a thin reed of Sawgrass in the Florida Everglades.
Although isolated at that very moment, shortly thereafter he flew away, joining other members of his flock and then finding strength in numbers. Until then…
Looking Back / The Importance of Editing
Moonlit Sailboats, Coconut Grove, FL 2010
Pelican Rest, Gulf of Mexico 2010
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am not able to produce new work for a while. Notwithstanding this situation, I will continue to do my best to post images to keep my work out there in the public’s consciousness. In order to do that, I will be posting older images, including some that have never been exhibited before.
While reviewing much of the older work it made me remember the importance of editing, something that is much easier said then done. When you get serious about photography, it becomes very difficult to separate the better images from those that might not meet the test. In addition to paying attention to the overall composition, lighting, etc., it is often suggested that an outside set of eyes should give an unbiased opinion. Either way, the key is to be extremely critical and be sure that only the best make into the portfolio and/or are ultimately printed for exhibition/collection.
Finally, editing is also critical to the presentation of images in a portfolio, or when published in a book. Here, editing is used to present the images in a sequence that makes them flow. They should be placed in order by comparing color and/or lighting and/or composition and/or subject, so the images lead from one to the next naturally as the viewer sees them. This is more difficult than it seems and it is often necessary to use a professional Editor, even if it is just at the beginning to learn how it is done. I personally have worked with Paula Gillen http://bit.ly/1yMh3Gi, who has helped me along the way.
As a good example of successful editing, in the case of the two images above… they work well next to each other, whether in a portfolio, a book or… across from each other in an office lobby (see last Blog post).
From Virtual to Reality / See it Before you Hang it
Lakeside Executive Suites, Lobby – (PC generated) Virtual Layout, 2014
Lakeside Executive Suites – Lobby pieces installed, 2014 (I Phone photo of installation)
After capturing an iconic image, it is added to my portfolio and becomes available for residential, corporate and/or commercial display. While offering these options, I believed it would be very helpful for those considering which work to display, to see how a particular image, or images, would look…framed and on the wall, in the space available to be filled.
Clearly, if the art buyer, designer, or even collector, could see a framed version of a particular print in an available place, it would be very helpful to their decision-making process. Case in point, the project above, the lobby of Lakeside Executive Suites http://www.lesweston.com/. LES is a first class executive suite office space with all of the amenities of a modern-day contemporary office and virtual office facility.
After reviewing the available space, I photograph the areas with blank walls. I then create various virtual options (see top two images), ie. different images and cut and paste them into virtual frames and present them in the particular area.
In this case the designer and office manager chose the pair of images above for the lobby to compliment the new renovation they were working on. The finished project offers a first class option for anyone looking for office space in the Weston area. Stop in and visit LES for any of your office needs and/or to see the outstanding quality of work done by the design firm… for your next project. http://www.meredithmarlow.com/
Marsh Forward / Southern Comfort / Striking a Pose
Egrets in White Marsh, Tybee Island, GA 2008
For this image I caught the magic late afternoon light over Whitemarsh Island, just west of Tybee Island near Savannah on the Georgia coast. Look closely to see the white Egrets standing in the shallow water. Enlarging the image shows the birds in greater detail which helps to make this image something special. Not apparent where the swarming tiny crabs running around my feet as I set up and composed this shot.
Of course, “when in Rome” you need to eat like a Roman. So, when you are are on the Georgia Coast, you need to eat seafood. One of the best casual seafood restaurants I have ever eaten at was The Crab Shack on Tybee Island. http://www.thecrabshack.com/
First, you cross the walking bridge over the live baby alligators into the dining room that is situated on the water. Then, while sitting at the wood tables under the peach basket chandeliers, you must dive into one of their giant, overflowing buckets of seafood and go at it. To me, this is… Southern Comfort.
Closer up, the majestic Great Egret preens itself into a classic pose.
Great Egret, 2013
Looking Up to Mom / Happy Mother’s Day
Lioness and Cub, 2014
Parental Guidance, 2010
For my Fine Art work, I don’t like to photograph anything that can talk back to me and I usually only use human subjects to show scale in an image.
So, to celebrate Mother’s Day I have posted the above images of animal subjects that exhibit the importance of looking up to your Mother…I know I always did.
Best of 2013 / 10 Favorites from the Past Year
Waterfall, Milton, OH 2013
Lower Falls, Hocking Hills, OH 2013
Ebb and Flow, Deerfield Beach FL 2013
Thunder Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 2013
Gray Cat, Green Eyes, 2013
Caracara, 2013
Flamingo Fire, 2013
July 4th Fireworks, 2013
Moon and Stars, 2013
Never Forget, 911 Memorial, 2013
Before it gets too much further into the new year, here are some of my favorites from 2013.
Looking forward to creating more in 2014.
Truth, Justice and the American Way / Gone Too Soon
American Eagle, 2009
This one is for Richard. Our friend, colleague and all around great guy.
The message he left us will always be true…that he is out fighting for truth, justice and the American way.