Please introduce yourself and briefly describe your art.
Hello, I’m Doug Parks, a fine art landscape photographer. My passion for nature translates into captivating images, often printed on aluminum to enhance their clarity and depth. Photography not only connects me to the natural world but also evokes cherished memories of exploring its beauty with my father.
What led you to be an artist and to share your art in Auburn Old Town Gallery?
I carried a camera with me from an early age. As a young man I was fortunate enough to work in photography as a camera repairman, camera salesman and photo lab rat. After retiring from a career in technology I was able to make my way back to the photographic art world in the new digital age. No longer the need for dark room chemistry although those skills are something that shapes my post processing even today. When visiting the gallery one day I was impressed by the professional look and feel of the gallery and so I applied. It took a number of years to get in because this gallery maintains a great balance of work and the mediums represented in the gallery. I feel so lucky to be a member.
Where are you originally from?
I was born in San Francisco and lived my young life on the peninsula in the bay area. I made my way to the central valley and eventually the gold country with my wife of 40+ years. I have resided in the gold country for over 30 years.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
As a child I wanted to be a veterinarian because of my love of animals. However, I made the turn towards technology because of my love for mathematics and to this day still love animals.
Tell us about a compliment that you’ve received that you’re most proud of.
I receive a number of compliments on the vision and feel that comes across in my images. When creating an image my goal is always to convey the feeling I had when capturing the image, and when I am complimented on the feeling of the photograph it warms my soul.
What’s one thing that has made you smile recently?
Traveling recently through the Eastern Sierra and Death Valley I was presented with a spectacular sunrise that lit up the crest of the Sierra while the moon was setting on the same crest. The tones from the cool blue of the sky to the warm sunrise colors on the peaks made me smile from ear to ear. I felt complete just witnessing the scene that was presented to me by mother nature. Click! There goes the shutter, so the memory is captured.
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Read Doug’s previous interview here.
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