How My Work is
Created
As a Fine Art Photographer, I specialize in color
Nature, Landscape, and Wildlife. The out-of-doors is my studio. My work
relies heavily on the use of light (time of day), line, shape, form, and
texture. My images are generally simple, moments in time, and tell a
story and/or bring about emotional response. I photograph primarily with
35mm and 4" x 5" cameras (sometimes with reducing backs), and
to a lesser extent with medium format cameras. When possible, I use the
4" x 5" camera for landscape and nature photographs because of
the great care and intimacy that comes from working with the subject
matter, the tremendous amount of information, and the wonderful color
that can be recorded on the transparency film. I use many of the same
techniques and working practices in all format sizes. Whenever possible,
tripods (or other supports) are used to support the cameras. For
wildlife photos and many of the landscape, close-up, and other nature
photos (particularly when I wish to travel relatively light and/or to
work more quickly), I work with 35mm cameras. I photograph almost
exclusively on slide or transparency film in all formats. The color
transparencies are the reference for printing on color photographic
paper. Filters are used sparingly and only when I feel they are
necessary. I use filters for only about 20 to 25% of my landscape
photos. Of the filtered landscape images, half use graduated neutral
density filters; the rest rely on polarizing and/or warming
filters.
About the Prints
Photographs are printed on the longest-lived chromagenic
photographic papers presently available: Fuji Crystal Archive Glossy or
Mat or Fuji Super Gloss dye photographic papers. Under normal
presentation lighting conditions, Fuji Crystal Archive Glossy and Mat
photographs have a conservative life expectancy of approximately 60
years and Fuji Super Gloss photographs have a conservative life
expectancy of approximately 54 years. Photographs are prepared with 100%
rag archival acid free mats, archival acid free backing boards, and
other archival and/or acid free materials.
Photographic Studies
I earned a BA in Geology, an MS in Zoology/Ecology, and
an MS in Geology, all from Rutgers University. I worked as an
Environmental Consultant for 8 years and worked previously as a Science
Teacher at The Newark Museum. I have been interested in photography for
most of my life and have supplied stock photographs for publication in
books, magazines, calendars, and posters for many years. I am member of
the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) and the
Professional Photographers of America (PPA). I have taken workshops with
Dewitt Jones, Irene Hinke Sacilotto, and my friend Charles Campbell,
author of the book "The Backpacker's Photography Handbook" (that I use in my workshop
classes). I have attended lectures by and/or discussed my work with
Galen Rowell, George Lepp, Frans Lanting, Leonard Lee Rue III, Len Rue
Jr., William Neill, Judy Holmes and Steve Sint.
Photographic Awards
ˇ 2001 exhibit at the Ocean City, NJ Fine Art Show (on the Boardwalk)
received the photography award.
ˇ Dawn at Egg Rock, 2001 PPA General collection award.
ˇ Reaching for the Sky, 2001 PPA General collection award.
ˇ2000 exhibit at the Ocean City, NJ Fine Art Show (on the Boardwalk)
received the photography award.
ˇ Kissing the Clouds won 3rd place for the 2000 Mystic Outdoor Arts
Festival (Mystic, CT).
ˇGolden Light, Nymph Lake, 2000 PPA General collection award.
ˇHer-on-Him, 2000 PPA General collection award.
ˇ Looking Toward the Heavens,1999 PPA Loan collection
award (highest award by PPA).
ˇ Sunset at the Watchman, 1999 PPA General collection award.
ˇ 1998 exhibit at the Lycian Centre Fine Art show (Sugar Loaf, NY)
selected best in photography.
ˇ Lower Falls, Yellowstone, 1985 won 2nd place for the 1998 North East
Wildlife and Fine Art Show (Providence, RI).
ˇ Reaching for the Sky won 3rd place for the 1998 Glastonbury Fine Art
Show (Glastonbury, CT).
ˇ Reaching for the Sky won 3rd place for the 1998 Mystic Outdoor Arts
Festival (Mystic, CT).
ˇ Acadian Sunrise, 1998 H. Juergen Thieck Memorial Award for
Photography, NJCVA Members show.
ˇ 1997 exhibit at NJCVA Art in Summit, Chase Manhattan Bank cash award
as being one of best exhibits.
ˇ Sunset at the Watchman, 1996/1997 Millburn Camera Club photographic
print of the year.
ˇ East Wall of Park Avenue, Arches National Park, 1995/1996 Millburn
Camera Club photographic print of the year.
ˇ A Sea of Red and a Ribbon of Red and White, 1996 NJCVA Members Show
Honorable Mention.
ˇ Pinnacle, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, top photo 1994 NJCVA
Members Show.
ˇ 70 juried competition slide and print awards in the Millburn Camera
Club.
Richard A. Nelridge
Fine Art Photographer
3026 Klein Street, Studio 153A
Allentown, PA 18103
610-798-9063
Richard@Nelridge.com
