Pat Gains

Q : How have you gravitated toward visual art?

A : I’ve always been drawn to the visual arts, and in 2005 bought my first digital camera and two lenses. Since then photography has led me to a variety of different interests, or sub-hobbies if you will, including birding, wildlife ecology, travel, storm chasing, sports photography, astrophotography, and most recently, portraiture. There is always something new and exciting to try, and always something new and amazing to see. I enjoy researching and finding that next animal, comet or scenic landscape, and love sharing with others what I’ve found. Photography has inspired me to explore my world more thoroughly than I ever have before, and has brought me much joy and excitement in what I’ve found. I hope that my work brings some joy to you, the viewer, and maybe even inspires you to set out on an adventure of your own.

Q : What is your favourite Medium to work in?

A : Photography is definitely my favourite medium, although I still enjoy dabbling in other techniques. As a kid and into college my main focus was drawing with pencil and paper. In the end I found that while I had a good enough eye for composition, my technique and obsessive nature was such that I used my eraser more often than the other side of the pencil. Photography made it easier for me to capture a scene without fretting over whether or not my drawing skills, or lack thereof, would allow me to accurately re-create my vision.

Q : Whats your least favourite color?

A : I will use the line that every parent uses on their children – I love them all equally! Having said that, there is always one child that is more difficult than the others. For me that child is skin-tones.

Q : Educated or Self-Taught?

A : I think a little of both. Upon purchasing my first digital camera, I took a beginner’s class in Denver that was very helpful and challenged me to try different techniques and to photograph different kinds of subjects. I’ve also read several photography books and extensively online. YouTube is great for tutorials. Belonging to two photo clubs gives me access to guest speakers, photo outings and to the other knowledgeable members in the clubs. With digital photography, the self-taught part is easy, since we can immediately view the results of our image upon taking it. Is it too dark? Was the shutter speed too slow? These questions are easy to answer with a quick glance at the LCD screen.

Q : What is your hope for your work?

A : My hope is that I continue to enjoy my hobby, that it inspires in me curiosity, exploration and wonder, and that it brings joy and inspiration to others.