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The two art pieces shown here remind me of my sister and how protective I feel of her. That’s why I’ve chosen to donate the profits from the sale of these pieces to the PKD Foundation of Canada.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the Lingering Light Group Art Show! It was an absolute pleasure to meet you and share my new Illuminated Topography Collection in person at Sovereign House in Bronte Harbour.
I am incredibly honoured to share that my fine art photography has been featured in the latest issue of Humana Obscura magazine! I have been selected as their featured artist this summer, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this milestone with you.
Have you ever noticed that sometimes the creative process unfolds, similar to how a flower blooms? Starting with a tiny seed of an idea, growing slowly and almost imperceptibly. Gradually taking shape over time and finally blooming into something extraordinary? That's precisely how The Garden Girls Collection came to life.
As a photographer turned artist, I have often been asked by other artists “what camera should I get.” My first response is always “that depends.” Which is never the answer that is wanted. The truth is, of course, gear is only part of the equation. But if you have the interest, and already have (or are ready to invest in gaining) the skills required to take a good photo, then the right gear can definitely make a difference.
You've been asking me for larger paintings and I haven't been able to deliver on that... until now!
I recently completed an interview with Abstract Artists - Discover Abstract Art. Their thought-provoking questions led to some juicy details about the motivation for my work.
I love books. Though I should clarify - when I say that, I don't mean I love reading books. Although I do enjoy reading! When I say I love books, I mean I love them for both their inspirational content and also as objects of beauty.
On the final day of 2021, I find myself feeling reflective. In taking a pause and casting my eye back over the whole of the year, it is clear that this one will stand out against most. Not only for its abundance of high and low moments but more importantly for its dramatic swings between those points and for the distance between them.
Creating original images can seem like an elusive goal in a world saturated with visual content. To that end, I’ve read several articles recently discussing whether or not photographers should look at the work of other photographers. More specifically whether photographers heading to a shoot location should look at images made by others of that place before they travel there themselves.
I wonder if all artists (i.e. anyone who creates - we'll leave the discussion of my definition of an artist for another day) reach the point in their work where they question what the heck they are doing... and why they are doing it.
ABSTRACT LANDSCAPE PHOTO ART ICM & Composite Image Moody shades of Lake Ontario on a foggy spring morning. The steep pitch of the rock beach reshaped by fall and winter storms is revealed once the winter ice receeds. Shores of Lake Ontario Oakville, Ontario, Canada April 2016 ©2016 Elle Bruce www.ellebruce.com
I haven't paid too much attention to sharpening my images to date. Which is rather odd because I am a huge fan of beautifully sharp landscape images. In fact, I recall pestering everyone I could at the very first photo workshop I attended with my burning question of "how do they (they being the big name landscape photographers I admired) get their images so wonderfully detailed and crisp?" No one seemed to have an answer for me so I back burnered the issue.
On this clear spring day the undulating interplay of light and shadow across the slopes of the mountains surrounding Banff Alberta were positively rhapsodic. Banff, Alberta Canada May 2016 ©2016 Elle Bruce www.ellebruce.com
I am not a comfortable risk taker... in fact the complete opposite. But I am getting used to the idea that sometimes the most wonderful things can be discovered when you allow yourself to explore. Often venturing even just a little off the beaten path is enough to allow the unexpected to find you.
A delicious blend of textures and colours at number 10 Street Unknown. Grasse, France May 2016 ©2016 Elle Bruce www.ellebruce.com
As children, most of us were taught that it is not nice to exclude but in the quest to make stronger images excluding is essential.
Abstract Landscape Photography Macro Technique Lake Ontario Ontario, Canada ©Elle Bruce www.ellebruce.com
Have you ever noticed that sometimes things work out better when you stop struggling and instead go with the flow? That's a sweeping statement - let me explain.
Ocassionally the smooth surface is disturbed and for a brief moment we glimpse what lies beneath. Abstract Impressionist Landscape Photography ©Elle Bruce 2016
As a photographer, every trip is an opportunity. Before I travel, like many, I research my destination ahead of time. I consider the season, I look at the weather, I even do a pinterest and google image search to get a sense of what I might find upon arrival. In other words, like a good girl scout - I plan. But lately, I have discovered that no amount of planning can replace the simple act of immersing yourself in a place.
Great light is a crucial element of great images. Its’ not the only element but it is absolutely key.
There is a certain “je ne sais quoi” about “great” images. Most of us understand that it has nothing to do with technical mastery of the camera (although that is important) we instinctively seem to know that what elevates a good photograph to greatness lies in the realm of creativity.
For most of our short summer we spend our free weekend time as a family sailing on Georgian Bay to quiet overnight anchorages. Away from the city lights, we are able to see the stars very clearly. I have been trying to capture our experience of the beautiful night sky for a few years now. It is a tricky thing…
I’ve been pressed for time lately. Too many things on the plate and not enough time to give every one of those tasks it’s due. What? Did you say you can’t relate? No - I didn’t think so. I am not complaining. In fact I am grateful because it’s teaching me something. It is forcing me to find new ways to make sure I still get out to do what I love most which is take photos.
One of the largest pieces in my most recent ILLUMINATED TOPOGRAPHY collection is a 36 x 36 inch layered figurative work entitled Tell Me Your Secrets.