Phillip Noll

For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated by mountains, rivers, canyons, animals, forests, the colors of the sunrise, the change of the seasons, cascading streams, and the peacefulness that overcomes me when I am in the natural world. Traveling to far away places was a family ritual. I took my first camping trip at 2 weeks old. Over the 20 years leading up to college I had traveled to 41 states and many, many National and State Parks and Monuments. I went on countless hikes and camping trips. The natural world sustained me.

Until recently, I had never really considered photography as a career. However, the recent advances in digital imaging lead me to the realization that I never explored photography as a career because I didn't have control over the entire photographic process. Digital imaging has changed that for me. With scanners, computers, powerful software, and extraordinary photographic printers, I now have complete control from the time I click the shutter to when I hang the print on the wall.

My photography has been influenced by landscape artists such as Adams, Porter, Muench, and Rowell. I hope to capture a small part of the immense beauty this Earth and its wildlife have to offer. My goal is to make every effort to capture stirring images that reveal the beauty of the landscape, and its flora and fauna.

To this end, I use digital imaging and multimedia technology to enhance, print, and display my work. Though modern tools are extremely powerful, I limit my digital manipulation to equivalent classic darkroom techniques. The things I do on the computer have always been done in the chemical darkroom.

What you see in my images, is what I saw through the lens. I hope my images move you. I hope they stir emotions and instill a sense of responsibility within you to protect what is wild and beautiful on our delicate planet.

Comments on "Digital Manipulation"

Monica Noll

I grew up in a rural setting where I would spend as much time as possible exploring the outdoors. It is rejuvenating to be in the wild and so my favorite hobbies are hiking and camping. It was my husband’s new found ambition in photography and my interest in the outdoors that have sparked a desire in me to also become a photographer. I had only used a point and shoot camera up until 2002 when I received my first SLR. Now, my husband and I will go off to different locations to capture artistic images and share our adventures.

Between the two of us, we have developed a diverse portfolio of images to share with you. I find my challenge in photography is learning and experiencing every aspect of photographing; not only the technical aspects but also the excitement of capturing a dramatic image. I am not content just going out to capture the well-known icons. I would rather look around for something unusual or different that will hopefully stir emotions in others.

When I am behind the lens looking out at the world, it is my goal to bring out hidden beauty for all to see. What might be viewed as an ordinary scene by many, can be transformed completely by focussing on composition and technique to bring out artistic qualities employing patience and care. To me, the challenge of photography is capturing with the camera what I see in my mind's eye. It is my hope that my photographs will be used to promote the preservation and conservation of wildlife and nature. The images that I share with you are the ones that come from the heart.