Category Archives: Photo Collections

Mother and Baby Dolphin

Marine Life Photographs by Steve Munch

by Stephanie Hogue

“Black Honu”

I have been a photographer for a long time…25 years to be exact. I have also seen a lot of photos. When I saw the work of Steve Munch, my breath was taken away. His work has a simplicity and elegance I have never seen before when it comes to wildlife. It almost looks as though it were photographed in a controlled environment like a studio. If I had not been by his side for some of these shots, I may have been suspicious. His work celebrates the beauty of these ocean dwellers that many of us will never get to see so up close and intimate.

“Gray Heart”

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.

– Jacques Cousteau

“Dolphin Breath”
“Mother and Baby”
“Pelicans in Flight”

Ocean Blues

“Ocean Blues” Exhibit

Ventura ArtWalk October 6 & 7th

Join us in Downtown Ventura for a complete weekend of festivities celebrating the art community in Ventura, California. Our art exhibit features the ocean inspired photography of Steve Munch and Stephanie Hogue. From dreamy seascapes to crashing waves and everything in between, the collection captures the many moods and captivating beauty of the ocean.

10% of Sales during ArtWalk will be donated to Mission Blue, a global coalition to inspire an upwelling of public awareness, access and support for a worldwide network of marine protected areas – Hope Spots.

Ventura ArtWalk at Latitudes Fine Art Gallery
401 E. Main St
Ventura, CA 93001
Saturday, October 6th, 11am-6pm
Sunday, October 7th, noon to 5pm

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

 

“Horses of the Camargue” – Arts & Eats Downtown Ventura- Art Reception

For July’s Arts & Eats reception, photographer, Stephanie Hogue will be here to share images from her latest project, “The Horses of the Camargue”. The marshlands of the Camargue in southern France, provide an exquisite backdrop for this ancient breed of horses. Experience this world through her eyes and discover their majestic and ethereal beauty.

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

Click here for Facebook event page

Arts & Eats is a free bi-monthly event in Downtown Ventura where participating galleries, restaurants and shops provide a special event for the evening including art and small tasty bites for guests to enjoy and stroll from stop to stop.

Click here for the Arts& Eats Ventura facebook page with other participating venue information.

Art Gallery Question Of The Week – Image Integrity

“Heroin’s Icy Curl”, photographed by Steve Munch in Kauai’s rich waters.

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: Do you Photoshop or “filter” your images to get those bright colors?

A: No, we try to stay authentic to the original integrity of the image.  Any images you see with especially vivid colors were shot with special film that brings out those colors.  We time our photographs to maximize the lighting and natural play of colors. Mother nature is pretty amazing, we are lucky to share how we see this beautiful world.

“Ventura Sunrise” and “Two Trees” by Steve Munch, photographed with Fuji Velvia film:

“Harbor Cove” by Stephanie Hogue, photographed in late afternoon sun at low tide, causing exquisite clarity and color variation in the Ventura Harbor water:  “Harbor Sunset” by Stephanie Hogue, captures a gorgeous winter sunset as it is mirrored in the water:

 

Kauai Corner Celebration with Steve & Stephanie!

Aloha! We are excited to announce the newest addition to our gallery;

The Kauai Corner

A Latitudes party would not be complete without Steve Munch and as a special treat he’s flying in from Kauai!

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Join us for light refreshments and snacks

Saturday, December 10th from 6-9pm

Looking forward to seeing our Latitudes family,

Mahalo

Artistic Adventures – Hawaii Volcano

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Your inside scoop on the stories behind the images.  Tag along with Stephanie Hogue and Steve Munch as they capture the moments that take our breath away.

As I was flying into The Kona, my excitement grew at the chance to see flowing lava from the Kilauea Volcano. It didn’t take long until I was on the foot trail to the point of entry, where the lava was rumored to be flowing heavy.
As I passed visitors making their way back up the trail, I could gather by their body language that I was about to see something very special. After rounding the final corner of a long 2 mile hike, I could see the steam plumes rising high into the blue Hawaiian sky. Walking through the lava field the heat is the first thing I encountered.
Within minutes  I was in the presence of actively flowing lava and standing on the edge marveling at the power and beauty of what is the ongoing creation of an Island. I spent the next few hours observing, enjoying, and appreciating the opportunity to be this close to nature’s most powerful force.
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~ Steve Munch 2016

First Friday Ventura- June 3rd Exhibit- “Oceans Alive”

In honor of World Oceans Day, on June 8th, we are highlighting some of our favorite marine life images, to bring awareness to these fantastic creatures. Sea Lions, Sea Stars, Pelicans, Dolphins, Orcas, Gray and Humpback whales are just a few of the diverse animals that live right off our Ventura County shores. We will also be featuring our underwater sound and video footage. The “Oceans Alive” featured exhibit will start on First Friday, June 3, and be on display all month long.

First Friday Ventura Exhibit
Opening Reception
Friday, June 3, 2016 from 6pm-9pm.

Latitudes Fine Art Gallery
401 E. Main St.
Ventura, CA 93001
805-642-5257
www.LatitudesFineArt.comOceansAliveExhibit035A0377-Edit
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Desert Beauty

This winter I made a couple of trips out to the desert. As a photographer, it is always so inspiring to change your scenery now and then for a boost of inspiration. The desert definitely delivered!! I love the otherworldly landscapes, shapes, textured and color palettes. Joshua Tree was the first stop which was expansive and amazing. I enjoyed the cholla cactus garden and winding roads through the variety of landscapes. It was a quick trip but it motivated me to plan to come again and explore more in depth with some hiking and camping next time.

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A Photo Trek to Slot Canyon

As a photographer, there are so many places I have always wanted to visit and photograph. This year I have created a “bucket list” of places I would like to go and Slot Canyon was one of them. It is near Page, AZ on the Navajo reservation and is within driving distance from my house so it came in high on my list. The desert southwest has a beauty all its own, unique from any other place. It has become super popular so it was crowded and tricky to get shots in this canyon without any other people but worth the effort. The lighting and shapes and color were awe inspiring. The best part of the trip was the night tour we took in the canyon led by a great Navajo guide.
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