Ojai Eye: Master Photographers
The first practical photography process was available to the public in 1839. Early photography seemed magical to the public, but the process was difficult to master. Photographers used special equipment and processed images with dangerous chemicals. They documented for others such life events as marriages, births, communions and even funeral displays. For the first time, the less affluent could afford a portrait, or a record of other aspects of their life.
Photography improved over many decades. Enthusiasm for it expanded with both professionals and amateurs. During the 19th and 20th centuries, a huge historical record was created on film.
The introduction of cell phone cameras spawned a new explosive interest in photography. Now nearly everyone carries a technically sophisticated high-resolution camera with them. From what we ate for dinner to newsworthy events, it is easy to document anything and everything.
Wonderful photographs are no longer dependent on expensive, specialized equipment. Using a cell phone camera, amateurs can achieve high quality images that previously only professionals could produce. To survive, many professionals are having to redefine themselves and their artwork.
Over a lifetime of work, the photographers in this exhibition have distinguished themselves. Not mere pictures takers, they are artists. Their chosen subjects are refined to an essence that transcends banality.
The Ojai Valley Museum is a repository for local history and art. This exhibit features six photographers who have lived and/or worked in the Valley. Each has greatly contributed to photography as an art form in the Ojai Valley and elsewhere.
There are many fine photographers working in the Ojai Valley. Those that we chose to feature in this exhibition have all had long, varied careers in the medium. The images here represent their vision applied to a particular theme. Whether it is to tell a story, to document, or to find a fresh approach to seeing something, each has made a unique statement. We hope you will be inspired by their work and develop you own vision in the pictures you take.
Photography improved over many decades. Enthusiasm for it expanded with both professionals and amateurs. During the 19th and 20th centuries, a huge historical record was created on film.
The introduction of cell phone cameras spawned a new explosive interest in photography. Now nearly everyone carries a technically sophisticated high-resolution camera with them. From what we ate for dinner to newsworthy events, it is easy to document anything and everything.
Wonderful photographs are no longer dependent on expensive, specialized equipment. Using a cell phone camera, amateurs can achieve high quality images that previously only professionals could produce. To survive, many professionals are having to redefine themselves and their artwork.
Over a lifetime of work, the photographers in this exhibition have distinguished themselves. Not mere pictures takers, they are artists. Their chosen subjects are refined to an essence that transcends banality.
The Ojai Valley Museum is a repository for local history and art. This exhibit features six photographers who have lived and/or worked in the Valley. Each has greatly contributed to photography as an art form in the Ojai Valley and elsewhere.
There are many fine photographers working in the Ojai Valley. Those that we chose to feature in this exhibition have all had long, varied careers in the medium. The images here represent their vision applied to a particular theme. Whether it is to tell a story, to document, or to find a fresh approach to seeing something, each has made a unique statement. We hope you will be inspired by their work and develop you own vision in the pictures you take.
Thank you to our exhibition sponsors:
Tracy Albert and Carey Appel, Joyce Avery Robinson, Ann and Don Scanlin, Tony and Anne Thacher, Jane and Dick Weirick, Suzanne and Phil White & Timothy Teague Photography
Roger Conrad, Laura Crary, Carly and Ernie Ford
Brian and Connie Aikens, Kendra and Stan Yoes
Special thanks to Timothy Teague, Henri Bristol and Merry Webster
Exhibition curated by Roger Conrad
Online exhibition by Wendy Barker
Exhibition Committee Chair Laura Crary
Exhibition on view through August 8, 2021
Start by clicking on John Calvin Brewster, or any other photographer's name, below to explore their work in this exhibit.
