Healing Images
John Novak
November 22, 2021-January 13, 2022
On View: November 22, 2021
Virtual Opening: December 9, 2021, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

I have always found animals of all sorts fascinating, not only because of their diversity and complexity, but also due to their astounding range of behaviors. Having lived closely with a number of animals, I have found them to exhibit some remarkably intelligent behaviors, as well as emotions.

Healing Images is an attempt to capture their intelligence and emotion in a number of portraits.

As I have collected these images, I have been rather surprised that many of the subjects are aware of my presence, as is hopefully demonstrated in a number of images. I have also seen a number of creature who seem reflective, as if pondering their existences.

My hope is viewers develop empathy with the creatures, or perhaps discover new aspects of behavior while considering the collection.

From a technical perspective, this work has been an initial exploration into the use of a super telephoto lens paired with a high resolution sensor. I find the resulting images surprisingly detailed as well as chromatically rich. It has also been a challenge to deal with the physical demands of shooting with a relatively heavy lens for extended periods, and I have much to learn about how to properly manage this equipment in the field.

Bird photography is proving quite challenging. The creatures are fast, skittish, and can be difficult to capture in favorable conditions. Continuing work in this area will certainly be developing expertise in capturing birds in flight, as well as gathering a catalog of unusual behaviors.

Image: John Novak – Hows My Flying