Making the successful abstract photograph – from subject selection to techniques and design. Capturing abstract images can hone the photographer’s eye and inspire improvement in both traditional and creative photography. Mary Louise will share her observations on how to make a compelling abstract photograph, as well as how the process has influenced her personally. She will describe the many ways that her abstract explorations have evolved how sees photographically and approaches a broad range of subjects from nature to architecture, still life and beyond.
About the Artist
Bella Vista Photography’s images express the personal vision of nature and travel photographer Mary Louise Ravese. Mary Louise’s fine art photography is in private, university and corporate collections in over 30 states and is exhibited nationally through art shows, galleries and shops. Her images have been used in calendars, magazines, books and websites including various projects with National Geographic Maps.
For over 20 years, Mary Louise has specialized in outdoor color photography from locations across the U.S., Europe and Japan. Her favorite subject matter includes country landscapes, nature close-ups, interesting architectural details and wildlife. She draws inspiration from a variety of visual arts to produce photographs often described as “painterly”.
Her photographs are about intriguing juxtapositions of vibrant colors, distinctive shapes, and unique textures. Through her photography Mary Louise aims to capture the essence of the natural world in color, form and spirit. She enjoys capturing fleeting moments of beauty or drama that might otherwise be lost. Her ambition is to incorporate the beauty of painting in the clarity of photography.
Her photographs are created using both film and digital equipment. In the digital world where software programs offer vast possibilities for altering reality, Mary Louise’s philosophy regarding her own work is that it is important to stay true to nature. She does not digitally manipulate her photographs to generate unrealistic images and instead takes the time and care to produce the best “in camera” images possible.
Mary Louise is a regular speaker and competition judge for photography clubs in the Mid-Atlantic region. She also enjoys teaching on a wide range of topics related to nature photography. Her ability to explain complex topics in an easy to understand way, combined with her approachable demeanor has made her a popular instructor. She leads classes and field workshops ranging from one day seminars in the Mid-Atlantic area to multi-day workshops at a variety of photogenic locations across the US and abroad.
Mary Louise studied photography through the University of California Berkeley and Santa Cruz extension programs. She also credits a number of photography mentors including Barbara Brundege, Mark Citret, Jean-Louis Martinetti and Harold “Doc” Edgerton. She is a member of the North American Nature Photography Association, the American Society of Picture Professionals, and the Equine Photographers Network.