I picked up my first 35mm camera ten years ago, at the age of 24. I have admired the beauty and aesthetic of natural light since I was old enough to remember playing among large trees. Sunlight in a rainforest remains as inspiring to me today as that first glimpse over 30 years ago.

Einstein once said, "God is light." I know one of my strongest drives is a quest for light. That is why I am a photographer, and why black and white photography in particular is so inspiring. A camera is both art and science, magic and technology. It represents a microcosm that I can grasp, and in my lifetime, perhaps understand.

Taking photographs is a process. It is when I am in the moment with that process that I am truly alive. It is in these moments that I have created my favorite images, as a memento from a great moment lived.

It is quite apparent that my key interest over the last few years has been in taking pictures of women in nature. For me, reintegrating the female body into nature is to make a link between creation and the creative source. I have always been surrounded and blessed by incredible, strong women. They have been the source of my inspiration.

It used to be that we read to know that we are not alone (C. S. Lewis). Today, we live in a culture so bombarded by visuals that we need to see to know we are not alone.

Each month different collections of my work are exhibited in the gallery. You can also read my thoughts on techniques, tips and inspirations that accompany these exhibitions in Field Notes.

I have endeavored to create work that invites others in. There is no one meaning, for reality is an interpretation. Even as the creator, my own thoughts on a photograph have changed over time. But this itself is a process and I invite you to be a part.

Sincerely,

Dianne Whelan