Fine Art Photography         
© tom thomas

Photographers statement 

I have been an active commercial and nature photographer, photo instructor and artist for 40 years. A major part of my work has been of the beautiful southwest primarily Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.

In my photographs I attempt to tell stories. I attempt to present excitement in an image. My camera helps me do that better than words.

I view photographic vision as a gift. A god-given talent not available to everyone. My subjects help me illustrate in a manner the message or story that I want to convey to the viewer. And then there are the technical skills that include such things as composition, brightness, edge, shape, form, tone and of course color. 

I personally am drawn to the visual aspects of photography in much the same way I am drawn to a song’s lyrics. 

My preference in photography heavily favor black and white fine art photography. The medium of black and white photography is one that is unique and timeless. By producing the image in black and white the emphasis on color is removed leaving the beauty of light versus shadow and the inherent textures and tones of the subject. My belief is that black and white must be terribly strong in and of itself, capturing the hues and object in their proper proportions. Color photography can and does easily sell itself with strength of color. Color is the way we view the world but black and white photography, if good, is visually exciting and can seduce your imagination.

The photographs I create tell a story and protect my memory of the subject. I must like the subject in order to photograph it. If I didn’t like it how could I expect others enjoy it. Each image that I make can bring more than one interpretation. My most successful images will tell a different story or project a different memory to each person who sees it. 

I have in the past used every one of the photographic tools and methods of producing a fine photograph. For decades I processed all of my film and slides; selecting, enhancing and printing much of the photographs myself. But over the past decade I have found the benefit of digital photography and have since used digital equipment exclusively.

Each of my photographs are now printed digitally. The common term of this is Giclée (pronounced Z-clay). The benefit is that when using archival inks and paper the digitally printed photograph has a longevity much longer than those produced by most other print making methods. Independent research has shown that more than fifty years can go by before fading begins. Every professional artist today will use the Giclée  technique if he is serious about his work.

My work has been commissioned by some of Americas largest corporations, a partial list is shown below. I no longer accept work or assignment.

My work (particularly landscapes of the southwest) is held and displayed in many public and corporate collections too numerous to mention.:

I am now retired and pursue photography mainly to satisfy my personal needs . I now photograph exactly what I want, not what someone gives me an assignment to do. More importantly retirement has given me more time to develop my digital imaging and printing techniques. Digital imaging and digital printing have given me new and excited feelings about the creative sides of photography. I encourage everyone with an interest in photography to jump into and learn digital now.

Born: 1935 in New Orleans, Louisiana

Education:

University of Mississippi (Business)
LaSalle University Chicago (Law) 
University of Arizona  (Photography)

American Express
RCA
General Electric
Sony and others. 

National Electronic Service Dealers Association
Consumer Electronics Association
America Electronic Association
Rocky Mountain Banknote Company
Otero Savings and Loan
Norwest Bank
American Federal Savings

Portfolios:

1975 "View of the Southwest in Black and White" limited edition portfolio privately published.
1983 "The Arizona Desert in All Its Bloom", color, limited edition portfolio and calendar.

Selected Published Articles, Books, Media Productions and Reviews:

Other Websites By Artist:

Photography Gallery  www.foto-works.com