Douglas Fir, Fog, Bow River

This photograph is printed using a black and white process in which the negative is laid over the gel emulsion of silver nitrate which reacts to UV light and produces an image. The photograph captures a large douglas fir tree, flanking the Bow River, while the background is shown covered by a thick layer of fog. It belongs to the genre of nature photography that has its roots in the Victorian era fine art photography meant to capture the artist’s personal impression. 

The image is serene. Discussing is photography, Richards posits that his process reflects ​“a desire to record the elusive and magical light in a two-dimensional photograph for others to experience as an aesthetic object and as means to explore their own feelings.” 

Richards traverses the Canadian Rockies with a large format (4×5 inch) camera, capturing the elusive light that plays upon the monumental landscape. Richards’ work compels viewers to look at the mountains with a different perspective. Each photograph is the expression of a solitary man interacting with a landscape unequal in its power and strength.