The majority of my black and white photography is done in low light situations where there is an interaction between light and darkness, such as at dusk and dawn. I often work with long exposures in order to reduce the landscapes into elemental, graphic shapes. I like to simplify, to extract unnecessary elements, in order to emphasize the subject I'm working with. I also enjoy working in bad weather; snowstorms, mist, fog, or just under an endless dull and grayish sky. I think these conditions often add an appealing element to a black and white photograph.

The reason I photograph is to experience the beauty of Nature and of wild places. I explore the essential elements of rock and tree, of cloud and rushing water to discover the magic and mystery of the landscape. My search for beauty is romantic and idealistic. It is the spirit of the land I seek-be it in a small piece of urban wildness or in vast wilderness. Rachel Carson, in her book The Sense of Wonder, writes, "Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts."

Photography is a quiet, intensely meditative activity for me. Minor White, the Zen-influenced photographer, stated, "Be still with yourself, until the object of your attention affirms your presence." When the light and the subject inspire me, I am compelled to compose an image. The images that I enjoy making the most are those that rely on emotional response and perception rather than the spectacle of the scene. I enjoy isolating the details of a scene, often to the point of abstraction. By creating photographs where the content or orientation is not obvious, an intimate and enigmatic feeling can come through. I would rather make an image that asks a question, than answers one, one that intrigues and arouses curiosity in the viewer.

For over thirty five years, that has meant creating traditional black and white landscape photographs, though more recently I've enjoyed exploring a wider range of techniques and approaches to my subjects. The resulting journalistic and painterly imagery represents a diverse selection of emotionally rich moments

I have been fortunate throughout most of my life to be surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. My appreciation for its wonders has been nurtured by my travels and framed through the visions of traditional artists, such as Ansel Adams, Ernst Haas, Edward Weston and O. Winston Links. I’m particularly inspired by the works of such brilliant photographers as Michael Kenna, Charlie Waite, Art Wolfe and above all, the genius of Joe Cornish and Galen Rowell.

Joe Cornish – “First Light”

“First, light. Everything else follows, for light is the language of photography as well as it’s raw material. As a poet uses words, so a photographer uses light.”

I am very choosy who I add as a contact, so if I don’t add you, no offense please. I am equally choosy about the groups I choose to add my work to.
I'm kindly asking Flickr Members who add me as new contact to do that ONLY if you're really interested on my photo stream style, I will confirm contact relationship only if your photostream meets my taste and style. Superficial contacts will be removed, sorry.

My equipment:

Nikon F5 & Nikon D3; Nikkor 28mm f/1.4, Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF Lens, AF VR zoom Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5 ED,AF-S NIKKOR 4,0/200-400 mm VR, MF Nikkor 35mm f/1.4s and an older 80-200 f/2.8 zoom, AF-S Converter TC-14E TC 301, MC-30 cable release, Flash SPEEDLITE SB800.

I use a wide varity of 77mm Carl Zeiss filters and Singh-Ray Graduated Neutral Density Filters ND10, ND1000, Polarizing filter, 4 and 6 stop solid Neutral Density Filters.

Gitzo tripod carbon type Mountaineer MK2 -type G1348 and an RRS Ball Head.

The wandering Flickr blog for your viewing pleasure:
Flickr Walkabout
FLICKR WALKABOUT

I am a supporter and contributing photographer to;
flickrwalkabout.blogspot.com/


Note: © All rights reserved, and for those of you who don't know what it means....”don't steal other peoples photography!"

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Contacts (79)

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Testimonials (8)

  • view profile

    Nurse Kato says:

    "I recall when I first stumbled upon Ian's work. I was seeking the highest quality black and white images I could possibly find. When my eyes met his work I knew that I had found what I was looking for. His photostream flowed with pieces that I had only dreamed of. At that moment a sense of awe and amazement struck me, I was drowning in the beauty and craftsmanship of his work. No matter which of his masterpieces I viewed I could not pull my head above the water to take a breath. Ian's work takes my mind and immerses it in sheer grandeur.
    Now, nearly a year later, every time I take a journey into Ian's images every ounce of pure wonder that struck me when I first viewed his images continues to grip me. The magical images that Ian produces show a finite battle of darkness and light with a balance of beauty shining through. His long exposures are unequalled. His masterscapes are beyond description. His willingness to share and teach is unheralded. He must indeed be the finest of gentlemen.
    His work is the most spectacular photography I've yet to find."

    8th December, 2009

  • view profile

    Mara ~earth light~ (Convalescence after surgery) says:

    "His paintings impress me much.
    I see and feel in his works, truth and clarity of the nature of life, which penetrate deep into the soul and give breadth and depth.
    Thank you „Ian“ for your friend for me on flickr. now are. I wish you all the best for your future (life) journey.

    Greetings from Heart to Heart
    Angela Marie"

    16th November, 2009

  • view profile

    nlwirth says:

    "It has taken me a while to find the right words to write a testimonial for Ian’s photography because I am fairly certain that I have already exhausted every superlative I know to describe his work, work that I strongly feel is, at its very core, emotionally, spiritually, and aesthetically moving. Even the briefest of views of his photostream will reveal that he is an artist who has lived photography, an observation that helps to explain how he has developed the technical excellence that emanates from each one of his carefully shot creations; however, as superb as his knowledge of the technical intricacies of his craft is, what primarily draws me to his work is the powerful and emotional vision that each of his photos expresses. These are silky Zen-like masterpieces that invite one to contemplate nature, to ponder silence, to feel the mist of a foggy morning, to gaze at the often fickle play between light and shadow, and to wonder at the beauty that a long exposure can reveal. Each and every photo is instantly recognizable as his work, a consideration that, in my mind, further proves he is a true artist of his craft. And, finally, but certainly not the least in importance, he is a very generous and kind person who is always willing to offer advice to those who, like me, are eager to learn more."

    5th July, 2009

  • view profile

    Photoma's World says:

    "Ian's photography is integer, sincere and true ! His B&W images are full of colours, the colours of life, the colours of our deepest dreams. It's rare to find so much intensity on Flickr. I'm so pleased to have discovered his stream. I can feel his warm and sensitive personality thru his pictures. I can feel a great but realistic poet who takes us to paradise by catching the beauty that surroundes us all. I enjoy my long trips thru his work and never have enough of it. It's a place to decompress totally, a place to relax, to meditate, a place to dream away, a place full of freedom of mind. A place where souls can find food for thoughts. I truly hope to meet someday the man behind the images ..."

    11th June, 2009

  • view profile

    Joel Tjintjelaar says:

    "A lot of contacts on Flickr think I am a very good B&W photographer with great B&W images.I can only hope I am and I will still try to improve. But to be good and still try to improve one needs a role model, an inspirator, someone to look up to, a hero if you like.
    I have found that someone, my inspirator and hero in Ian Graham aka Gray Flannel. When I first saw his photos I instantly fell in love with the power and elegance of his images. His treatment of B&W is second to none, his technical skills are more than good, his compositioning excellent. But the best thing is: Ian knows what a good photograph needs. A good photo needs emotion, passion, a meaning. That is the essence of real art. Ian's images are packed with emotion, they all have subtle layers of meaning. But one needs to approach his photos with the same intention as Ian approaches art and photography to see the real beauty of his images and to understand the full meaning of his photography: with passion.
    I learn a lot of the art of Ian and I find myself making better photos since the day I met Ian. He is my inspiration and my role model. And you have to know that besides being a great artist, Ian is also a warm and kind person who takes the time to look at your photos and give some advice. Thanks for this Ian, I am truly honoured to know you and to learn from you.

    Joel Tjintjelaar."

    21st April, 2009

  • view profile

    muledriver says:

    "The best I have ever seen...period. This man has no peers,he is waaaay above us all! Keep it up,Ian!"

    18th April, 2009

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    Bill_Cross says:

    "I am a huge fan of Ian's work. Imagine my delight to find a "Black and White Only" site where every image is a fully realized work of art, exhibiting advanced processing skills and revealing a keen eye for every aspect of making a great image. As of this writing (late Feb. 08) he has been on Flickr for a month and is already among the finest imaging artists I have encountered in this universe of photography. Any lover of the art will find a treasure trove of images to enjoy and revisit. Hats off to you, Ian Graham."

    25th February, 2009

  • view profile

    J_CH* says:

    "Gray Flannel - Champion of the mood in B&W.The perfect composition and the technique."

    10th February, 2009

Name:
Ian Graham
Joined:
January 2009
Hometown:
North Cumbria Region UK
Currently:
Sailing around the world
I am:
Male and Single
Occupation:
Retired Photojournalist