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darkenergy777's photostream |
Born in London, UK, and now living near Clapham Common in South London, Michael’s fascination with photography began when he purchased his first SLR camera the Minolta 7000 in 1985. Photographing initially in colour he soon became dissatisfied with the results and took a correspondence course in photography.
Inspired by the black and white work of Ansel Adams he built his own black and white darkroom where he would spend many hours practising the art with the black and white medium giving Michael full control of the creative process. His style has evolved over the years and recent work includes his local environment either early morning or under the cover of darkness.
Michael’s slow methodical approach to photography combines perfectly with his use of medium format and 5x4 cameras which have become his main tools for creative work in recent years.
Michael uses the zone system for film exposure and development although darkroom printing has recently been replaced by digital printing using the latest pigment digital printers and baryta papers.
Please visit my new website.Link below.
darkenergy777's favorite photos from other Flickr members (23,383)
Contacts (4,876)
Groups (50)
- Need support to get my dog back 0 photos, 63 members
- B&W still life 9,607 photos, 283 members
- Skancheli (Black&White Only) 10,028 photos, 1,326 members
- BBC Turn Back Time 832 photos, 392 members
- Street & candid photography 800 photos, 476 members
- Sorry I Leave Flickr...follow me on Facebook if you like! 8 photos, 124 members
- ILFORD Imaging monthly website competition 472 photos, 245 members
- DÉJÀ VU (Adm invite only) 1,126 photos, 86 members
- The Digital Visual - Week in Reader Photos 8,373 photos, 1,229 members
- Christmas from around the world 2011 107 photos, 127 members
- International FuturePresent Art Community 666 photos, 130 members
- The Art of Photography Podcast 42,230 photos, 5,425 members
- Africa Travel Life 1,657 photos, 383 members
- Crème de la Crème (50+Fav) P1/A2/F2 * [Sweeper] 9,350 photos, 515 members
- Moon Goddess Awards * Post 1 - Award 3 * *Sweeper Active* 29,660 photos, 2,443 members
- Photographic Wizards * Post 1 - Award 3 * *Sweeper Active* 41,761 photos, 3,371 members
- Level 1 Auto Focus ( P/1 C/5 ) Contest Vote 05/31 35,065 photos, 3,104 members
- SIMPLY YOUR BEST PHOTO (Post 1/ Award 3) / SWEEPER IS ON NOW 16,482 photos, 1,948 members
- Vivo por la Fotografia (Post 1 - Award 3) Sweeper Activado 46,695 photos, 2,740 members
- ~CONTACT GROUP~ [Post ; 1 Award ; 5] 126,620 photos, 6,216 members
- *The Three Angels* LEVEL 3: Golden Angel (Award 3) SWEEPER ON! 9,416 photos, 1,495 members
- Yes! You have the photographer's Eye! (POST 1 AWARD 3 !!!) 9,168 photos, 549 members
- Tra un Manifesto e Lo Specchio - High quality images 57,618 photos, 4,496 members
- WoW - 1st level 30,459 photos, 2,862 members
- BLACK AND WHITE ONLY! - (POST 1, MUST COMMENT 3) 51,987 photos, 3,891 members
- The best of black & white ☯ (award 3) 22,443 photos, 2,142 members
- A Black Rose - Post 1 - Award 3 100,255 photos, 5,575 members
- Flickr's "BEST" pictures !! 63,181 photos, 5,060 members
- Flickr Lovers / Flickr ı Sevenler **POST 1 COMMENT 5!! 114,691 photos, 8,452 members
- Beeston night & day (Post 1 Award 3) sweeper active 3,006 photos, 290 members
- Shield Of Excellence - Level 1 (p1/a5) 340,898 photos, 38,205 members
- VISIONARY ARTS GALLERY 2 Platinum & Gold (P1: A5) Step 2 22,582 photos, 2,339 members
- Above and Beyond 500+ * L1 * Post 1 Award 5 6,393 photos, 1,020 members
- Above and Beyond 500+ * L3 Post 1 Award 5 2,401 photos, 495 members
- ♥♥♥♥♥PHOTOGRAPHERS WORLD♥♥♥♥♥ P1/C4 SWEEPER 33,052 photos, 2,917 members
- avp&a #1 - MAIN group (Post 1-AWARD 4) Read NEW procedures 70,609 photos, 3,624 members
- Black Tie 4,242 photos, 662 members
- Confidential is The Best (Post 1 Award 3) 17,803 photos, 1,093 members
- THE WORLD IN THE MY EYES (POST 1 AWARD 4) Sweeper Active 12,226 photos, 909 members
- ***3 Stars Award*** (Post 1 Award 4) Sweeper Active! 8,498 photos, 910 members
- Landscape,Seascape,Skyscape QUALITY Photography! Post 1 Award 3 27,676 photos, 2,899 members
- BLUE - Group No. 4 (Post 1, Award 4) 38,655 photos, 4,603 members
- Photographer Paradise(Post 1/Award 5 ) 219,211 photos, 13,499 members
- RED - Group No. 1 (Post 1, Award 4) 115,521 photos, 7,166 members
- L 1 B&W-Photography for Recreation-No Human Photo-P1/A5-Sweeper 9,427 photos, 1,754 members
- Fine Gold 267,612 photos, 15,735 members
- *Qualified Members Only* - Level 1 (Post 1 Award 5) SWEEPER ON! 27,908 photos, 1,793 members
- Tornado Award (back!) 20,385 photos, 2,954 members
- ♥ ♥ ♥ Shining Hearts ♥ ♥ ♥ Post 1 , Award 5!!! 16,517 photos, 2,960 members
- Hearts awards (Post 1 Award 5) SWEEPER !!! 8,625 photos, 977 members
Testimonials (32)
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© *BabeLicious*giggle* says:
"Awesome..brilliant..superb photos..Darkenergy777 you rock!! thanks for sweet comments.
*giggle* from Sweden"22nd December, 2008
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Kai Livingston says:
"Mike is extremely talented and
a great photographer alive!
He has pure inspiring and very
powerful photos on his stream!
If you haven't discover his cool
pictures yet then you better do it!
I am still waiting for his
next upload like everyone else!
Wishing all the best for the
rest of his life!
Greetings from New York City"15th July, 2008
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jwwillis says:
"Mikes passion with photography ,inspires me so much to dig deep into one inner depth and bring out thats artist side of oneself"
7th May, 2008
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tomhauburn says:
"Mike,
Words alone cannot describe just how good your photographs are and you are one of the best if not the best photographer in your style on Flickr. I really appreciate your help and comments in the past and look forward to the future.
Tom"8th March, 2008
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AnnuskA - AnnA Theodora says:
"I love Mike's work! The first time I saw his stream, I didn't believe my eyes! I kept thinking how those images were possible. Such accuracy for striking images and breathtaking compositions! His photos have a unique point of view and fantastic tones.
He is an inspiration and I wait anxiously for his next photos. Also, he is such a gentleman!! Very kind and caring in his commentary!
Thanks Mike! ;-)"23rd February, 2008
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Vegas ER says:
"As a long-time Ansel Adams admirer, I found Mike's photos to be the closest match to Ansel's B&W zone system technique than any other photographer I have seen. Great work!"
17th January, 2008
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~ Nando ~ says:
"Instead of writing a comment for everyone of darkenergy777's photographs, I'd thought that I would write a testimonial instead. Darkenergy777's photographs are extraordinary. I absolutely love them and they provide inspiration for my own photography. Thanks."
8th January, 2008
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bleuet / Anne-Marie says:
"My dear Mike,
I thought I had to write a few words to tell you once again how much I love you as a photographer and as a person too. Your photographs are absolute wonders ; they are what I’ve always dreamt to do. You’re so talented ! Each of your shots tells a story and makes me dream. Wandering in your stream is like discovering a new tale at each page.
Please, be proud of what you’ve done, you really deserve it, and never stop taking shots : to give up your passion would mean to kill a little part of you.
You once asked me if I was a fairy ; I wish it could be true : One of the first things I would love to do would be to visit you, and the second one to have a photo lesson with you ! :-)
You made me two wonderful presents : the first one has been to be my friend, the second one … is our secret ;-)
Thousands of kisses and hugs from your "Happy Bunny".
Anne-Marie"23rd November, 2007
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cowboy john says:
"wow! i have just found darkenergys site and i can honestly say it is one of the best i have seen on flickr.this guy has the ability to take your breath away with his work and i cannot put into words how stunning his images are."
20th November, 2007
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Tom Craggs says:
"In a world where the amount of people taking impressive photographs has increased greatly Mike's world really stands out as exceptional and proffessional.
I could draw a likeness between Mike's images and those of Michael Kenna (who has been the biggest influence on my own photography) but in fact Mike's photo's stand up to scrutiny as totally induvidual and powerful alongside these, both in terms of the photographs themselves and in terms of his masterful printing and post production.
I highly recommend anyone interested in qaulity black and white imagery to look at Mike's site, I suspect in a few years you will find Mike's prints are going to be worth far more than they are currently being sold for, as soon as I can afford one myself, I am getting one!
Good luck to you mike, and thanks for inspiring me so much."12th November, 2007
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Edward Olive Fotografo de boda Madrid Barcelona says:
"his prints are just way too cheap. it is ridiculous. genius."
25th October, 2007
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ilsebatten says:
"I stumbled into Mike's world by accident and found the very essence of what defines great art for me: an ability to capture the ephemerality of the moment and the ability of sharing his expanded vision. His work defines the light and shade of life, mitigates the dark, literally enlightens. And in addition he manages to juxtapose the evanescent of time with a strength of form that is breathtaking. You are a genius and an inspiration. Thank you for opening my eyes and literally expanding my universe."
25th October, 2007
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Tigersight says:
"It is my pleasure to write a testimonial about Mike Gray. He is one of very, very few living photographers that I would call great. His talent is overwhelming; his photographs are intimate, instinctive, and imbued with a profundity that is enriching to one's very soul and that is because this is, itself, the provenance of Mike's work.
One can see that his photography has been engendered by a beautiful and rich spirit that has found its bliss and its expression through his work. His photographs bear testimony to his long devotion to photography, his passionate attention to detail, and his assiduousness in the field. He has paid his dues and it shows in his work. His lovely and elegant work is very truly food for the soul. And I am so thankful that there are people like Mike Gray bringing so much beauty and meaning into this world. Godspeed you Mike!"19th August, 2007
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Mozzer502 says:
"I collect people carefully.
The group is small.
Every member is unique.
Except for one thing.
They are all truly exceptional photographs.
Your work tutors me.
Your art leads me.
Your vision inspires me.
Thank you for doing what you do.
"The sisters of St. Cathode ask that you cover yourself with filaments and take pains to make yourself fully incandescent this evening""10th August, 2007
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!!WaynePhotoGuy says:
"Mike is one of a handful of master artists here on flickr. He sees photography as a craft that takes multiple steps.
1. Capture an incredible exposure.
2. Apply mild post processing to the make image a real piece of art.
His work is breathtaking and I would recommend that you spend your time luxuriating in his impeccable museum.
Fantastic work Mike!!!"2nd February, 2007
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The Polstar says:
"Wow. darkenergy777's monochrome landscapes are unsurpasable. If I could have 1/4 of this guy's talent I would be a supremely happy bunny indeed.
What a legend."13th January, 2007
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Michael (rw) says:
"Amazing - to see what's possible when passion and a profound knowledge of photography meet the digital age. When I look at Mike's photostream I can't help but be inspired to see the power of photography."
8th January, 2007
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blue_crow7 says:
"The best discovery I've made this year was finding your photostream. You are my hero! I could fav all of your pictures. They leave me in awe. Sigh* don't take my word for it, check them out for yourself."
6th January, 2007
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joao batista says:
"This is my first testimonial on flickr, but I believe that Mike deserves it. I really don't know much about photography but, to me, Mike is one of the best here, at least. It's always a huge pleasure to visit your photostream, Mike. Inspired by you and some other, I'll continue my learning process. Thanks for share your photos."
3rd January, 2007
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c-a-vu says:
"Mike stands head and shoulders above us all, I am left wondering what awe inspiring sort of mind can produce so many images that move me so much."
12th December, 2006
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dblues says:
"In my humble opinion Mike has taken a love of Adams style and made it his own.He is without a doubt,a great artist.I feel blessed to be able to experience his work as it is produced,fresh from the amazing palette of light,tone,and living energy. At the same time,He always takes the time to stop by and leave wonderful supportive comments.A truely nice guy!
I just hope when the book comes out,I will be able to get a signed copy. :)
Thanks Mike,for shareing your wonderful art with us!
Doug"25th November, 2006
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mogace says:
"Mikes blend of artistic talent and technical ability combines to produce some of the most outstanding pictures I have ever seen.
Added to this; his thoughful, helpful and encouraging comments make me want to try harder to produce better pictures. Many thanks"21st November, 2006
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M a n s o says:
"Your pictures reveals more from yourself than any word that could be said. And that´s the sign of a good piece of art, ´cause art is just about comunication...
I can feel Adams´influence in all your work. It´s obvious that you have an excelent taste on composition, and that you spend lots of hours on your laboratory (analog or digital).
My very sincer congratulations!
Keep on searching for the light..."20th November, 2006
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click_click says:
"Without a doubt Mike is my favourite Flickr photographer. I always look forward to newly uploaded shots knowing that each time he manages the incredible feat of improving on perfection. His photography is haunting and mystical, beautiful and evocative and each photograph is a unique piece of art in a style that you immediately associate the with darkenergy777. It is always a pleasure to view his work. Keep up the great work Mike, and thank you for your continued visits."
18th November, 2006
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twigledite says:
"Quite simply, this is the art that I aspire to create one day. I could spend hours immersing myself here. Muchos Kudos!"
9th November, 2006
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Lateefa says:
"Mike Gray’s understanding of light and tones is phenomenal; his technical ability with the camera resonates through the images producing not just photographs but works of art! There is a great spiritual sense within the imagery. Whether he is taking a photograph of a landscape, building or anything we pass by everyday he forces the viewer to see it in a new and unique way.
With every picture he uploads he leaves me breathless and in awe, respecting greatly the time and effort he put into his photography."4th October, 2006
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CARNIVAL OF LIGHT says:
"darkenergy777 is one HELL of a photographer. His composition and understanding of lighting is extraordinary resulting in fantastic images that make the imagination soar! Every time I feel I am doing good work, I view his images and realize I am still wading in the child's pool. Sit back , view the stream and marvel at the grandeur."
28th September, 2006
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Carmeena says:
"Mike is one of the best talented photographer in Flickr, and one of my best favorite. His work and Art is really amazing. A masterpiece! And I am happy that he is always there, to give support, to all my pictures.
Thanks for sharing, and for all the nice words."10th September, 2006
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Keith Yeung says:
"Mike,
Very Creative and talent, a greatest photographer from his wonderful pictures and I am glad to know him in flickr and sharing.
Enjoy the way how he sees photography and know he will bring more wonderful picture which is his destiny.
Keith"8th September, 2006
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lollophoto says:
"As a huge fan of black and white photography, I am awed, amazed and inspired by darkenergy777's work. He has a tremendous talent for composition, but an even more awe-inspiring talent for tones and lighting.
You make me want to be a better photographer, and that's the highest compliment I can give to anyone. Thank you."28th August, 2006
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_Massimo_ says:
"Mike is a unique photographer for me because he is the only one to this date whose work on Flickr makes me say: "I love every single one of these shots".
Lighting and mood, composition and framing, geometry and tones all come together and deliver amazing images. And each and every of them provokes a reaction of some type.
I am always eager to see his work and it is an honor to do so."18th August, 2006
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adrians_art says:
"I have only known Mike for a few weeks but in that time I have meet a fellow photographer with the same sort of outlook in taking images as myself, his work is stunning, his b/w shot are supreme, the way he frames his shots, the complete understanding of how light and tones react on film.
Mike has always a good word to say about your work and it has been a priviledge to know him and i will look foreward in seening more of his stunning work."18th July, 2006
- Joined:
- June 2006
- Hometown:
- London
- Currently:
- London, UK
- I am:
- Male and Taken











