i use the phrase 'fine art photography from backcountry oregon' to describe this body of work. the intention is to prioritize the quality of these framed prints. there are several levels of quality.
the materials and handling used are of the best archival standards. typically, prints are on hahnemuhle photo rag, which is a natural matte finish like art paper, compared to the standard glossy photo paper. hahnemuhle has been making paper in germany since 1584. the ink is canon lucia pro, for a high end inkjet printer: prograf 4000. this is the highest quality printer available before getting into a huge commercial press requiring a warehouse space. the technology of inkjet shoots dots of ink on paper compared to a regular printer that presses ink from a plate to paper. the result is more like how a painter applies ink. the most common feedback i get from people is that 'it looks like a painting.'
frames are unique, custom handcrafted from local rough milled and salvage lumber. each framed is finished to complement the photo colors and texture. prints are sprayed with an invisible lacquer based varnish for protection, thus making glass unnecessary. this allows the subject of the photo to be seen without any barrier, much like it is seen in nature. print colors, details and texture are much more vibrant without glass.
handling of all the above is done with archival methods to preserve longevity of the print.
another aspect of quality is the artistic composition of each photo. this is where the beauty of nature inherently provides fine art: color, contrast, hue, form, lines, shapes, space - all of the classic artistic esthetics that we recognize as art. nature combines all of these in amazing and simple ways.
each photo trek can produce thousands of shots. the only ones i'm interested in are those that express the spirit of the subject - landscape or wildlife. this is a quality that can be difficult to put into words, yet we know it when we see it. something calls to us, touches our heart or spirit.
photos that have this potential hang as proofs in my studio and kitchen to be observed daily for several months or years. i see them in different light, seasons and moods. if it calls, i make a custom frame and hang it under gallery lights in my studio/gallery.
this is the final test of quality. these framed proofs hang in my treatment room where i see clients of my chinese medicine practice daily. people give feedback. i hang out with them over months and years. my standard of 'fine art' is that i continue to find it interesting, see new details, unfolding aspects. they talk to me. then, and only then, does it become a final, framed print.
all of these aspects together are why i use this term, 'fine art photography.' it's about quality. the subjects of these photos, beautiful landscapes and compelling wildlife deserve to be expressed at the highest quality possible. i know this quality has been achieved when people say, 'i feel like i can walk into the scene.'