The photographs on this
site are the result of many enjoyable outdoor experiences with family and
friends. Extracting a hidden
composition from the chaos of nature is one of my favorite pastimes. I'm convinced that looking deeper into a scene is good
practice for looking deeper into ourselves, at least it works that way for
me. I hope the viewer forms a
connection to the images and that they bring a desire to conserve and
protect our great natural heritage.
The original photographs are 35mm slides, most of them are on Kodachrome film. Nikon cameras/lenses mounted on a tripod were the norm whenever possible. Recent purchase of a Pentax 645 will bring medium format images to the site. Photographs from the gallery have been published in Better Homes & Gardens, Canoe & Kayak, National Wildlife, Sierra, Garden Guide, and numerous smaller publications
Most of he photographs are from the Midwest, namely the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan. While not blessed with spectacular mountain or desert scenery, this region supports a complex and beautiful ecosystem. The area lies in the transition zone between deciduous and boreal forest, and is populated by a wonderful array of plant and animal species. Glacial lakes pepper the landscape while countless rivers and streams carry away the overflow, eventually tumbling into the “Father of Waters”, the great Mississippi. The photographic compositions are endless. The range of light is exceptional and exhilarating.
In addition to the varied topography, diverse weather and distinct seasons provide constantly changing picture possibilities. Temperature extremes and weather “events” are common, often in the same afternoon. Mosquito hordes, humidity, and poison ivy only add to the enjoyment of photography in the north country. Poisonous snakes are rare (but present). Finally, it may be cold here, but at least it’s windy.
While photographs cannot
recreate the sounds, smells, or the delicious tiredness of a day in the
field, they can help us clearly recall our outdoor experiences.
Photos of family camping trips bring smiles during the winter
months and set the planning wheels in motion for the coming summer.
Like reading from a journal, they can even bring to mind how we
felt at the time.
Finally, the art of photography can be, at once, frustrating, wonderful, depressing, and deeply satisfying. But the “Eureka!” moments somehow atone for all of the reject slides in the wastebasket. Enjoy the images and return soon to the Connolly Photo website. Thanks!
Mike Connolly
