As a photographer, I am continually drawn to the patterns, textures and design of the natural world. It is here that I find the inspiration needed to create images that go beyond a depiction of reality to deeply express my creative vision. My goal is to transform the literal into the poetic by attempting to portray what I choose to see or to construct. In this way, I hope to capture the image of a personal reality by conveying my feelings and an individual way of seeing things, to communicate in a fresh, new language and to question the rule-driven expectations of photography.

Freeman Patterson remarks that when making a photograph “the camera looks both ways”, out into the world but also into the heart, spirit and mind of the photographer. My images represent a personal journey of discovery about photography, nature and myself – what I see and who I am combining to form a sense of place and identity.

My work is an expression of my ongoing exploration of the natural world through the lens of my camera. The biggest challenge for me is in capturing the essence of these moments and transferring them to my photography. Learning to ‘see' in a new way has been a process of discovery in which the ordinary becomes extraordinary as the wonder of life is revealed. This brings with it a sense of fun, of creating magical places, in making life a mystery and my journey into a creative pathway.

The images I make have elements of the abstract within it, some more than others. Some images are quite surreal (illusions of reality), while others are more easily identified. All articulate a personal response to a specific aspect of nature, an idea or concept. All are open to the viewer's own interpretation.

All images incorporate the photographer's technical knowledge as well as years of study, research and practice. Some are true representations, which rely on design and composition for their impact. Their effect has more to do with showing characteristics of nature through awareness of lighting, composition and photographic design. Others are more abstract and have been made through observation, experimentation and imagination. These are created by using artistic photographic techniques such as shallow depth-of-field, multiple exposures, long time exposures, and image sandwiching.

Some of the photographs were made in an instant - a thousandth of a second - while others took considerably longer. Some images were unplanned while others took years of perseverance and persistence to achieve the desired results

The awesome wonder and beauty of creation never ceases to amaze me. I acknowledge the Creator of all things and hope that others may be inspired to see His creativity in the designs of nature. I desire that my ideas will flow out to people in a way that will enrich their lives.

Andrew.