Travel Photography by Don O. Thorpe

Modern Impressionist Photography by Don O. Thorpe
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A Special Kind of Creative Photography by Don O. Thorpe

TRAVELING PHOTOGRAPHER

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As I have traveled throughout the world for the past several decades, I have been impressed with the differences and wonderful similarities that exist in every country and culture. It is this bond we hold in common as citizens of the world hold that I have tried to express.

My approach to photography has always been a distillation of reality into a personal vision -- an individual process that purifies and condenses images to emotion and interpretation. I want the viewer to know how I felt about the subject. And usually those feelings take on a positive attitude. There is enough negativity and misery in the world. I want to show the good that is inherent in all that I photograph.

Of course my imaging processes has changed and taken many different directions over the years, from my early B&W experimentation to the present Impressionist and Expressionist renditions. Now I even include Abstract Impressionism as a means to express my feelings. However, there is a common thread of technique that runs through all of my work. It is the search for simplicity and purity in the final image.

I have been told that my photographs look like paintings, but on close examination they are not painterly, nor are they traditional photographs. They may be something in between or something altogether different. My imaging process is directed by an attitude rather than techniques. I deliberately eliminate unnecessary detail and texture, and purify the tones and colors to reveal the essence of the subject. The resulting photographs are Impressionistic in visual character and Expressionistic in emotional and intellectual content.

To accomplish this I use the tools of modern digital photography with its in-camera manipulation and software filters, as well as printing and other techniques that allow me to project this personal view. These kinds of techniques blend the colors of light, form and movement to create an Impressionist freedom. The prints are Giglee produced on professional watercolor paper that further enhances the Impressionistic nature of their presentation. All of the prints are uniquely matted and framed, making each photograph a one-of-a-kind piece of art.