Speaking Fluent Aspen
' SPEAKING FLUENT ASPEN '

Black Butte
Oregon

Edition Size: 45
Sizes:
16" X 20"
/
20" X 25"
/
24" X 30"
/
30" X  40"
/
40"  X 50"
Prices:
$600
/
$850
/
$1025
/
$1425
/
$2575





'Aspen and Ponderosas converse brilliantly in autumn's cathedral'


n 1976, I acquired my first professional quality camera. The following year I lived next to the Metolius River in Camp Sherman, and worked as a carpenter at Black Butte Ranch. During my time at Black Butte I really began exploring my creative process in earnest.

Flash forward 30 years. The year 2007 provided the most beautiful fall colors I have ever experienced in Central Oregon. It was during this time I discovered the scene you see here in 'Speaking Fluent Aspen II.' It was a two day process. The first day consisted of brilliant sunny skies, hours of scouting, and culminated in several photographs taken just after sunset. I use 4”x5” large format film, so the results of my efforts remained unknown in the latent images in my film holders. I was not satisfied.

The next day I awoke early to overcast skies. Now that's more like it! Driving toward Black Butte, I could not conceal my excitement, or my fears. Would the overcast hold? Would the wind be blowing? When I arrived, my heart rate quickened as I discovered the answers to those questions. I was greeted by fabulous light, and no wind.

Soon I was zeroing in on my compositions, having paid my dues the day before. I began with a horizontal view. As I completed that composition in perfect conditions, I focused on the vertical. Get closer, my instincts kept telling me. As I moved in, tunnel vision took over. The magic moment was at hand as I aligned with the unique rhythm of Black Butte. At that moment, my vision shone as 30 years of experience coalesced into... 'Speaking Fluent Aspen.'.


 

LARGE VIEW OF ' SPEAKING FLUENT ASPEN '
(Worth the wait!)

NEXT IMAGE IN PORTFOLIO / RETURN TO PORTFOLIO