About Photographer Russ McLean
I make images of the landscape simply to honour a talent I was totally unaware of for the first 60 years of my life.
My journey in photography started in 2007 & since then I have learned much & forgotten more. I have learned who I am & what I value. I’ve peeled away the layers to find the real me, not the person others have expected me to be. I identify with the words – “the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything – it’s about un-becoming everything that isn’t you.” (Anon)
Landscape photography has taught me to be patient, to reflect, to ‘listen’ to the environment, to become conscious of what compels my camera. I’ve learned to strip the unnecessary & the irrelevant out of the frame & to simplify. I’ve learned that the really special moments can be fleeting & to be prepared for them. I’ve learned that emotion is desirable, not something to be ashamed of. I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty in front of me, but to always look behind me. I’ve learned to eliminate the periphery, so that the essence can shine through.
Arguably, there is little that is truly new in photography – every location has been shot before, sometimes to the point of ‘digital poisoning’. But when done from the heart, photography can evoke emotions & record memories. I shoot only that which inspires me & in so doing I create something new – it’s new simply because it’s ME. Indifference is my enemy – but I’ve learned to live with that as well.
Along the way I have met wonderful people & visited special places. I have shared thoughts & experiences with people I respect. I am very grateful for all that has come my way. Now I welcome the opportunity to share with you that which is essentially me.
Russ McLean
Arrowtown, New Zealand
