Sunlight supplies plants with the energy they need to make sugar. These sugars are turned into starches and supply energy to the animals that eat them. Plants turn light into food. Visible light is just one part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum extends from the low frequencies used for radio waves, to the high frequencies used by gamma rays. In the mix we find infrared, as well as x-ray. When we think of light, we think of the frequency of visible light, however, because humans are a clever bunch, we now have ways to “see” in frequencies that our eyes are unable to. In my view, this is magic. It is also very revealing. When a photographer creates a landscape in infrared light we are treated to a mystical other worldly piece of artwork. When scientists look into the Universe with infrared or x-ray they are treated to information previously unavailable.

As photographers, light is fundamental to our art. We time our images to the “Golden Hour”, that special short period of time when the Sun's light works its magic. I once stood atop Mt. Cadillac, in Acadia Pk. Maine, and watched a sunset along with a group of about seventy five others. It was a particularly dramatic show, and when it was over a round of applause was well deserved. The Universe did a good job that evening. This moment atop a mountain is the result of magic also. The light that washed over my face, and warmed it, and treated my eyes and camera to such drama began in the center of our Sun, ten million years ago. It took that long to work its way to the surface of the Sun, and when it broke free, another eight minutes to reach my face on the top of that mountain in Maine. I am overwhelmed by being so lucky to enjoy this magic.

Lets think about that sunset for just a moment. As the Sun touched the horizon and sat there for just a few seconds I was watching an event that was already eight minutes old. Also to be accurate, the Sun really does not set at all, the Earth is rotating. Another fact that we gloss over is that I am looking back eight minutes into the past. When the weather is clear, sunsets are a common occurrence in our lives. Lots of us don't even give them a second glance. There are those of use who’s awareness is strong, and from time to time they park by the side of the road where I live and sit and watch the Sun go down. They then calmly drive on to finish their day. Their day became just a bit more special, because of their awareness and willingness to enjoy the present moment.

We photographers capture special moments. Rather, we record reflected light that bounces off of those moments that demand a frame around them. Light enters the lens on our camera, is modified by all the glass inside the lens, and reaches the eye of the artist. Awareness and skill are necessary for the decision to press the shutter release button.

The skills necessary to be a creative photographer can be learned over time. The truth be told, you can learn 80% of what is necessary to be a photographer in a few years. The last 20% will take you the rest of your life. The creative skills that make our work special are another story. Creativity takes imagination and awareness. The skill of observing the flow of life, looking inward and observing our own emotional response to what is in the viewfinder requires concentration and patience. We cultivate the skill of being observers, and blocking out all the distractions that fill our day to day life. This is called being present in the current moment. The best of a long list of photographic artist are very good observers of the flow of life. They are imaginative, and creative. They have the skill to be so present, so in the moment, that they see things the unskilled are unable to, until a frame is placed around their work, and asks us to “here look at this”. Underlying and supporting this form of art is the visible light that so many of us take for granted. This is magic, a miracle, and should stop us in our tracks just for a brief moment to really see, and not just look.  

Edward Steichen referred to Dorothea Lange as The greatest documentary photographer in the United States. Dorothea referred to her own art, “I just photograph things as they are”. She was a rebel in her time, worked spontaneously and in difficult conditions. She was inquisitive and sought to reveal the truth of how things were, she photographed the reality of her times.

Dorothea was born in New Jersey at the end of the 1800's, and raised on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. At an early age she became a very skilled observer of the rich life on the streets of New York. One skill she taught herself was to hide in plain sight, to be an observer without influencing a scene. Early on she was employed at the studio of Arnold Genthe, where she learned darkroom skills, and honed her early photographic style. After World War I, she began to travel and found herself in San Francisco, where she took a darkroom job with a Dry Goods store. Some connections with the photographic community surfaced and it was not long before Dorthea opened her own studio. In her studio days, she thrived on commissioned work, photographing families. It was at this time her style began to emerge. Imogen Cunningham was an early and important influence on her developing style.

The Stock Market Crash that began the great depression turned out to be another influence on her maturing style. From her studio, life in the Depression years of San Francisco offered up plenty of emotional subject matter. She created “White Angel Breadline” one of the most famous photographs of the Depression. Dorothea also perfected her work style in these years. She would start out, pick a direction, and without much planning look for her subjects. She would engage her subject in conversation, and as a result capture emotion as well as composition as she worked. Her Farm Security Administration photographs would become her most important work. Her composition “Migrant Mother” defined the Thirties, and in my opinion is her most important photograph. In Nipomo, California, at a campsite full of out-of-work pea pickers. The crop, destroyed by freezing rain; there was nothing to pick. Dorothea approached one of the idle pickers, a woman sitting in a tent, surrounded by her children, and asked if she could photograph them. Lange exposed six frames. One of them, Migrant Mother, became the icon of the Depression, and one of the most famous images of the 20th century. With her children cowering for protection, hiding their faces, the Migrant Mother gazes distractedly into the distance and perhaps the future that is so uncertain.

In 1965 Dorothea developed inoperable Cancer. This prompted her to review her life's work, and mount an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art. She would spend precious time editing forty one years of photography. She believed her life's work was in fact an autobiography, and  this exhibition completed her life's work.

If you are unfamiliar with Dorothea Lang's work you have missed the work of a great photographer. Her work is full of emotion, depth, and is well composed. In an era that produced a good share of excellent photographers, Dorothea stands out, and is a treasure. I was fortunate to see her work at an exhibition many years ago, and the rich tones, and impeccable composition are mesmerizing. Dorothea Lange is not only a photographic treasure, she belongs in that handful of most influential people of the 20^th century. 

Port Clyde, a small wonderful harbor, rests on the central coast of Maine, specifically on the St. George peninsula. In the 1800's Port Clyde was busy with timber, granite, and fish canning. If you are partial to Nautical scenery, Port Clyde is a gem of spot. This is a quiet place to slow down, and absorb the history and beautiful seascapes. There are plenty of wonderful subjects to photograph, however we'll get into that in just a bit. The best experience is had by quieting the mind, and opening up the senses. The sights, sounds, and even the aroma of the Atlantic set the stage. This wonderful spot that faces the Great Atlantic Ocean has been the residence of people like the Wyeth family, Supreme Court Chief Justice, John Roberts, Steve Thomas, ("This Old House"), Kenneth Noland, (painter), and artist Greg Mort has a summer studio there

Nautical landscapes are plentiful here. The Marshall Point Lighthouse is a good spot to watch and photograph the sunset, however people who know Port Clyde know the best sunset views are from Turkey Cove. The Port Clyde General Store is picturesque and fun to visit, and if you are a boater it has most things you will need. Lately, I look for quiet places, with attractive light, a sense of history, and lots of good subject matter. You will not be disappointed with your visit. Here you'll find fishing shacks, docks, lobster boats, and classic New England fishing village architecture. A Photographer with a good eye, and the mental ability to self edit will come away with good shots. If not careful, your images might end up a bit on the cliche` side. That is why it's important to slow down and really look at what is in front of you. You already know that the best shots involve timing. That is as true here as everywhere else. Especially when it comes to the light. Coastal Maine can go from bright Sun to fog rather quickly. If you find a subject worth capturing, then it will be worth the wait to get the light just right. As I walk and explore the area some subjects seem to want to be color. I open up to these opportunities and even make notes on my phone for post processing later. Then there are subjects that seem to want to be Monochrome, my first love. Again, if you slow down, look with your emotions, and be patient, there are wonderful photographs to capture here.

The Village Ice Cream Shop and Bakery is in the heart of Port Clyde. Many people around my age have fond memories of "The Malt Shop" experience. In our youth we enjoyed Ice Cream Sodas or a Malt. Do not go to Port Clyde without having visited this old fashioned malt shop, you won't be sorry. There is no Walmart or McDonald's in Port Clyde. For many visitors, this is a step back to a simpler time. If you enjoy photographing people, and are polite, and patient, there are lots of great faces on the fisherman that work the waters off this coast. The Monhegan Boat Line dock is where you will find the Elizabeth Ann and Laura B. A day trip to Monhegan Island is a trip back in time to a fishing village/artist colony. There are very good reasons why this island treasure attracts so many artists, and you will fall in love with this place very quickly.

Port Clyde remains primarily a working harbor, filled with the rugged boats of local lobster men and fishermen. It is an excellent place to visit, that has avoided becoming touristy. The scenery and atmosphere is very intoxicating and photogenic. If you decide to spend some time here a great place to stay is the Seaside Inn, a twelve-guestroom inn, in an 1850 sea captain’s home overlooking Port Clyde Harbor and Muscongus Bay.