Category Archives: Behind the scenes

Breathtaking Moments in the Camargue

“Moments that take your breath away”… As a photographer, this is what I live for. I recently was so fortunate to get to travel to the south of France and join a small group of photographers on a weekend filled with awe inspiring and breathtaking beauty.
I was immediately enamored with their powerful beauty and playful curiosity. This ancient breed of horses are semi wild but cared for by the guardians (cowboys) who dedicate their lives to these amazing creatures. It was so special to observe the relationships between the horses and also the bonds with the guardians.

After galloping through the water they would take breaks by playfully rolling in the sand, or soaking up the sunshine as the salt water dried on their glistening coats. Other more curious horses would come up close, nudging for a scratch or give us a little nibble. They are known for their intelligence, agility and stamina.

There were lots of foals… ready and eager to get in on the fun. The babies are born a darker color and lighten as they get older.

Being marshland, it was best to dress for deep water so we could get in close. One misstep and that would be the end of my camera gear.

       

This guy had a sense of humor and enjoyed sneaking up and tugging on my scarf when I wasn’t watching!

Images are available now in the Ventura, California, gallery and on the website.

Join us for an opening reception for this new collection:

July 21, 2018
6-8pm
Light Refreshments
Latitudes Fine Art Gallery
401 E. Main St.
Ventura, CA 93001
805-642-5257

 

Behind the Scenes: Spinner Dolphins

This pod of dolphins approached me while I was photographing turtles. They approached me at first with caution. They seemed to be content keeping their distance, so I continued to stay with the turtles. The group’s second approach was quite different. They seemed much less concerned and far more curious. The encounter lasted over 20 minutes and in the end I left feeling like a welcomed visitor of the pod. I admire how much love these beautiful creatures share with each other and how fortunate I was to get the chance to experience and photograph it.

-Steve Munch

Behind the Scenes: Mighty Chieftain

In February of 2015, a major winter storm had just passed through, leaving behind clear skies and rare snow on our local mountains and foothills. I headed off one morning, hopeful to get a shot of Ventura Harbor with the snowcapped mountains in the background. Unable to find the harbor shot I wanted among the docks and moored boats, I walked to the harbor entrance where thundering, 25 foot plus waves were imploding on the breakwater, sending geysers of spray and foam high into the sky. I wanted to document this power and beauty, but still something was missing. I needed something in the for perspective and scape. That’s when I saw the Hawaiian Chieftain looming on the horizon.

I waited. So did the Chieftain. She hovered off the entrance of the harbor, perhaps assessing the risk of attempting to enter the harbor. I waited for a half hour before those on board made the decision to give it a go.

The Chieftain approached from the west. For long moments all you could see were the tops of her mat as she fell into the giant troughs. The current and massive swells had no pushed her into a very dangerous position, turning her broadside to the incoming waves, rearing nauseatingly high. One wave broadside and she would go over. This was no mere photo opportunity but a very real moment of desperation. I looked up over my camera to confirm that the waves weren’t an illusion created through the compression of my telephoto lens. They weren’t. My stomach twisted. I was sure the Chieftain’s captain had made a life-altering mistake that would see his ship and are into the cold, unforgiving water.

As the Chieftain made her final run I stayed focused. Her speed was impressive. With 50 yards separating her from the safety of the protected waters behind the breakwater, a think ball of black diesel smoke bellowed from her stack (she was at full power and moving fast) as the waves exploded, whitewater reaching hundreds of feet into the air.

In the end, half a boat length was the difference between joyous celebration and tragedy.

-Stephanie Hogue

Behind the Scenes: Mr. Lucky

We call him Mr. Lucky, and with good reason, for the odds are stacked astronomically against him. Each hatchling that bursts from the sand has less than a one percent chance of reaching maturity. A thousand eggs are laid so that one will survive. Yet each hatchling bursts forth as if it is the chosen one. There is always a chance.

The miracle doesn’t end at the water’s edge. Plunging into the surf, the hatchling, no bigger than a child’s hand, remains undaunted: having never seen the ocean before, the turtle swims an unerring course, first through crashing surf and then across the seas themselves, more blank and featureless than anything terra firma can conjure. They swim, for the most part, alone. Each is captain of its own fate.

Still they swim on, a dogged journey of survival and, no doubt, luck.

-Stephanie Hogue

Living a Blessed Life

Robert’s newly remodeled bathroom showcasing 4, 36″x24″ images: “Green Sea Turtle”, “Spinner Dolphins”, “Mr. Lucky”, and “Wave Jumping”.

We are blessed with some of the most wonderful customers in the world.  Art is about surrounding yourself with what you love, and we get to help make that happen every day!  One of our very favorite customers was Robert Tully.  He passed away earlier this year and we wanted to pay tribute to what he called “The Camarillo Latitudes”.

48″x72″ “Island Drifter” Wrapped Canvas Print

One of my favorite memories of Robert, was when we were sizing art.  I would tape out the size I thought was a good starting point.  He would stare at the wall with a contemplative look, which was my cue to go bigger.  So, I would tape out the next size up and watch his face light up.  He wanted to feel as though he was in the water– every moment of every day.

“Flying in Formation” 40″x120″ Wrapped Canvas

In February, we finally completed placing a maximum-sized image in every room of his house, including the laundry room, with his total Latitudes images totaling 14.  His walls were filled only with treasured family photos and our photography.  We planned a party to show off his “gallery” and celebrate.

“Inspiration Point” 30″x60″ and “Arch Rock” 48″x72″ Wrapped Canvas Triptychs.

When I checked in a couple weeks later and asked how he liked his pieces, this was his reply:

Late at night, if you are quiet, you can hear the sounds of dolphins surfacing for a breath of air, and sea waves colliding with surf, and sea birds squawk as they land at distant locations.  The sound of massive sea turtle flippers, as they swish through ever changing shades of blue-green waters… Gentle giants…

Then you awake, and think, “Oh my, I was dreaming…”

You walk the hallway, and discover the carpet is damp with sea salt, with the scent of ocean air….

Then you well know….You have been in the “The Twilight Zone”,  in the sea world of King Neptune…

You have been blessed….

Robert

We are blessed, Robert.  Thanks for showing us what it truly means to surround yourself with what you love, every day.

Robert & Steve, in front of his favorite image, a 48″x72″ “Stormy Pier”, December 2016

Art Gallery Question Of The Week – Who is the Photographer

As art consultants, we are often asked what is possible in our gallery. Each week we will highlight a FAQ on our blog to help you get the most out of your art shopping experience.

Q: Who takes these photos? Do you accept other artists?

A: All of the photos are by just two people, Stephanie Hogue and Steve Munch, the gallery owners and photographers.

Both Stephanie and Steve were professional photographers before they met, Steve already owned a small photography studio as well as a golf shop, and Stephanie was a popular wedding and portrait photographer.

The photographic universe kept bringing the artists together. They knew of each other for some time, but their paths didn’t cross until 2010 when Steve ran across the street in front of Stephanie’s car.  They were both in the harbor to photograph the snow-capped mountains and the resulting images were “Mighty Chieftain” and “Snow-caps and Sunshine.”

“Mighty Chieftain” by Steve Munch

The next day fate worked it’s magic again as they were seated next to each other at dinner and Stephanie’s husband, Jim, who knew Steve from the golf shop and photo lab, made the introduction.

“Snowcaps and Sunshine” by Stephanie Hogue

It so happened that both of them needed what the other offered: inspiration and knowledge.  That was serendipitous beginning to this artistic duo joining forces and becoming the photography team known as Latitudes.  We are so happy they did!