Fields of Dreams
a portfolio by MATTHEW HOWARD
Capturing the beauty that others
take for granted is one of the greatest joys of
photography for Matt Howard, who takes pride in the
fact that local residents often learn to appreciate
their surroundings through his work.
“My first year in photography completely consumed me,” says the 29-year-old Howard, who has been taking photos for only about four years. “Every chance I got, I was reading something on photography or taking pictures. I fell asleep and woke up thinking about it.”
In four years, Howard has developed a talent that eludes many photographers; he has learned to see the potential of a shot, despite what might lie in front of him.
“I have spent many late afternoons and evenings wandering on county roads, looking for ‘that shot.’ More often than not, I come up empty handed. The light wasn’t good. Power lines or other obstacles were in the way. I couldn’t find anything interesting to shoot. The important thing, though, was observing what future opportunities were available, and then planning on how to execute them.”
Landscapes have become his true passion, and his willingness to submerge himself in his surroundings has allowed him to walk away with some spectacular images, such as the marriage of wildflowers and skyscapes on these pages.
“A field of wildflowers may only bloom for a week and a half to two weeks. So the blooms, my schedule, accessible location, lighting and weather all have to cooperate.”
Howard has learned to shoot in what landscape photographers call the “golden hours” shortly before and after sunrise and sunset. The light, at these times, is a warmer color, often softer than the bright light of the sun at other times during the day. In addition, at a lower angle to the subject, the sun can emphasize texture and provide great backlight.
Too often, Howard explains, photo enthusiasts have blinders on, limiting their perception of what lies in front of them. The way the light plays across clouds and the sky can add a wonderful punch to what may already be a fine image.
“I’m constantly surprised at how differently the sky can appear from one moment to the next. Never go home until the light is truly gone. Sometimes the best light a photographer could hope for comes during the afterglow of a sunset.”
Along those lines, don’t expect to rush a good photo. Allow plenty of time to scout a location and find subjects to include when the hour arrives.
“Every photo records history that will never again happen. It captures a fleeting moment in time, and allows you to share it with others. That’s a humbling thought.”
“My first year in photography completely consumed me,” says the 29-year-old Howard, who has been taking photos for only about four years. “Every chance I got, I was reading something on photography or taking pictures. I fell asleep and woke up thinking about it.”
In four years, Howard has developed a talent that eludes many photographers; he has learned to see the potential of a shot, despite what might lie in front of him.
“I have spent many late afternoons and evenings wandering on county roads, looking for ‘that shot.’ More often than not, I come up empty handed. The light wasn’t good. Power lines or other obstacles were in the way. I couldn’t find anything interesting to shoot. The important thing, though, was observing what future opportunities were available, and then planning on how to execute them.”
Landscapes have become his true passion, and his willingness to submerge himself in his surroundings has allowed him to walk away with some spectacular images, such as the marriage of wildflowers and skyscapes on these pages.
“A field of wildflowers may only bloom for a week and a half to two weeks. So the blooms, my schedule, accessible location, lighting and weather all have to cooperate.”
Howard has learned to shoot in what landscape photographers call the “golden hours” shortly before and after sunrise and sunset. The light, at these times, is a warmer color, often softer than the bright light of the sun at other times during the day. In addition, at a lower angle to the subject, the sun can emphasize texture and provide great backlight.
Too often, Howard explains, photo enthusiasts have blinders on, limiting their perception of what lies in front of them. The way the light plays across clouds and the sky can add a wonderful punch to what may already be a fine image.
“I’m constantly surprised at how differently the sky can appear from one moment to the next. Never go home until the light is truly gone. Sometimes the best light a photographer could hope for comes during the afterglow of a sunset.”
Along those lines, don’t expect to rush a good photo. Allow plenty of time to scout a location and find subjects to include when the hour arrives.
“Every photo records history that will never again happen. It captures a fleeting moment in time, and allows you to share it with others. That’s a humbling thought.”