By Doreen Jung. If you have never believed in magic, you may just change your mind when you see Phil Dyer’s photography. He has the ability to extract and distil light and colour from a scene to create a surreal image or a colourful composition.
Many of his images are manipulated digitally as Dyer converts them into works of art. A hobby that he is passionate about, photography has been an important part of his life for over 25 years.
Using the computer software Photoshop, Dyer applied a vertical motion blur and added a human figure from another photograph that he had taken.
.
With a few more manipulations, he produced the image entitled “Alone Again”.
.
Dyer began his photography in the early eighties with his first Ricoh film camera.
He is self-taught but has taken a variety of courses and workshops to improve his skills.
.
In 2005 he embraced digital photography which allowed him to expand his creativity.
.
“At that point I realized the enormous potential of programs such as Photoshop,” said Dyer.
.
“They allow us, as photographers, the freedom to create artwork from what was previously a documented set of images.”
A visit to Minter Gardens near Agassiz was an opportunity for Dyer to create “Duo”.
.
Applying a dry brush technique to the blossoms resulted in an artistic image from his photograph. Mastering the tools available to him in various computer software programs has allowed him to experiment with his images; enhancing them and altering them.
.
This has also led him to create slideshows with his images and to produce slideshows for other people using their photos.
Urban and street photography along with floral images have long been Dyer’s favourite subjects.
In September 2011, he and his wife, Renée took a safari trip to Tanzania.
.
On that trip his interest in nature photography was renewed.
.
Sleeping in tents on the Serengeti was one of the most thrilling and memorable experiences for the two of them.
On a game drive in the Serengeti National Park, they viewed a herd of 30-40 elephants that were grazing in a forest of Acacia trees. Dyer was moved by these marvelous creatures while noticing the destruction that they wreaked on the trees. Focusing in on one of the pachyderm diners, he captured “Snack Time” with his camera.
It is always exciting seeing a species of exotic animal in its natural habitat for the first time. On the fifth day of their safari, the Dyers saw their first lions in Tarangire National Park.
.
“We finally came across these two ladies resting under the Acacia trees, watching for their next dinner,” describes Dyer.
.
His image, “Our First Lions” was the first of many taken as they came across more prides in the following days.
Dyer feels that his photography gives him the chance to express himself. He enjoys hearing feedback from viewers of his work.
.
It has been a satisfying transition to retirement from his career as a Certified General Accountant. He finds inspiration for his photography from books, magazines, and other photographers.
.
“It is a great way to capture moments in time,” explains Dyer.
.
“I love to travel and record sights that are unfamiliar to me.” However he admits that “one does not always have to travel to the ends of the earth to capture something unique.”
.
He enjoys experimenting at home with his camera. He created “Balancing Act” in his kitchen. Using a macro lens, he captured water as it dropped from a syringe into a dish of water on the counter.
.
To see more of Phil Dyer’s work, go to www.fivecornersphotography.homestead.com. Connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/FiveCornersPhotography.
Dyer is collaborating with Sandra McMartin in a photographic exhibition called “Out of the Ordinary” at the Kariton Art Gallery, August 17 – September 11, 2012. For more information on the show, check www.abbotsfordartscouncil.com.
.
.
—————
Editor’s Note: Doreen Jung is a member of the Abbotsford Arts Council and former Arts Administrator. Her columns appear here regularly.Doreen Jung
