Why are we so passionate about the beauty of nature?

Why does a sunrise trigger such a powerful emotion? And why do we turn to nature when we seek peace, quietness, and time to reflect on where we are in life and where we are going from here?

It’s for this reason I chose to be an artist, to use my unique ability to visualize and create stunning images that, like a tuning fork, can bring harmony between you and nature.

For me, a work of art is primarily the product of a person, not of a machine.

For this reason, a photograph printed straight from a single original capture, either film or digital, can be unsatisfying. Such an image represents the output and limits of the camera rather than the expression of my emotions.

To satisfy my creativity, I first create images in my mind.

Whether it’s a landscape or subject, I take the time to study it, for minutes, hours, or sometimes even days… as long as it takes for me to feel and visualize a new and unique expression of my emotions. For example, I might have to be at a certain location at a particular time of the day with just the right light and weather conditions, or it could mean taking multiple captures and combining them into a single image to overcome the exposure limitations of the camera.

Nonetheless, I try to complete as much of the image with the camera, lens, and technical expertise first, then finish the picture with post processing.

On the level of image adjustments, I first adjust the global color balance and the global contrast of the picture to my taste. I then focus on individual colors and work towards making them the exact tonalities that I desire. Similarly, I adjust the contrast so that it reflects the feeling of open, or glowing light, or dark, mysterious shadows according to my visualized image.

On occasion, I may clone out elements that I deem unaesthetic. These items may be unnatural artifacts or anything that may negatively impact the feel or emotion of the final image.

~ Tony Pagliaro