Art of Photography - Cole Thompson

"At 14 years of age, I knew that I was destined to be a fine art photographer.While living in Rochester, NY, I stumbled across an old building associated with George Eastman, whichled to my reading of his biography. Before I even completed the book, I knew that I was going to be a photographer and for the next 10 years, photography was my complete existence. If I wasn't taking pictures or in the darkroom, I would spend countless hours looking at every book and image I could find. There was
nothing in my life except photography.

Even at an early age I found myself drawn to a particular style of image, one that would literally cause a physical reaction in me. They were dark images created by Adams, Weston, Bullock and others. I knew that I was destined to create such images.

I am often asked, "Why black and white?" I think it's because I grew up in a black-and-white world. Television, movies and the news were all in black and white. My heroes were in black and white. My images are an extension of the world in which I grew up.

An important early influence in my life and my art was the poem "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley.

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of Circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of Chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

For me, this powerful poem evokes dark and contrasty images, which form the basis and inspiration for my photographs. One of the results has been my current project, "Light Emanating from Darkness," which I see as a message of hope and of self determination. Darkness in my images represents the trials of our human existence while the light represents the strength and power that comes from the realization that we are the captains of our souls. For me color records the image, but black and white captures the feelings that lie beneath the surface." Cole Thompson
Website: http://www.colethompsonphotography.com/index.htm

Music: Bill Frisell, Nature's Sympony in gone

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[ishtar0606]

Wonderful :-)

[moonlightnoir]

@ishtar0606 Thanks Giusy :-)

[tomalophicon]

What is this piece of music?

[moonlightnoir]

@tomalophicon Bill Frisell, Nature's Sympony in gone, just like a train

[tomalophicon]

@moonlightnoir It's amazing. Thanks. Bill is a great guitarist.

[moonlightnoir]

@tomalophicon He is. Thanks for your comment and the subscription.

[Bambooandlotus]

So wonderful.... thank you very much.... I adore this....

[ottowaton]

Wow.

[darlss]

do you have a website?

[ivotedsativa85]

amazing prints, beautiful photos..

[WISKERSAVENUE]

IF ONLY ONE DAY!

[rolero54]

Excellente photographies