Bruce Hall

Bruce Hall

Welcome to the Artists Blog

When did you first become interested in art, in general?

As a child. My grandfather, George Allen Pierce Jr., was a painter of maritime vessels, and nautical scenes. I have lived near the ocean for most of my life, and I’ve always felt centered, and connected to the world, near water. As a result of my legal blindness, reading text, has always been an extreme, often frustrating, challenge. So from a young age, art: painting, drawing, and photography have always been my first portal to new concepts, and understanding.

When did you first become interested in photography, specifically?

At about ten I started using an old Argus film camera to photograph family and subjects that captured my interest. With the help of a neighbor, I connected the camera to my telescope to photograph the stars. I realized, as a child, that I could use cameras as visual aids to explore the world.

In what other forms of art do you also work, if any?

I like to draw, and have been a musician for about thirty years.

On which style(s) of photography do you specialize?

Underwater is my favorite area of photography, however, I find subjects that capture my imagination everywhere I travel.

Stamen

as your style changed from when you first began? If so, why?

Yes, I am now pushing my limits in many more areas than in the past. My eight year old daughter has opened my eyes to many new ways of seeing.

What kind of equipment do you use?

I use both film and digital equipment for both above water, and underwater photography. I’ve used Nikonos film cameras, UW, for 25 years because of the compact size, quality, and simplicity of controls. I also, use Nikon, and Fuji digital SLR’s in a housing for some of my work.

What made you choose that equipment?

Over the years, I’ve selected equipment that can work for me. I need equipment I can learn well and forget about, so I can disconnect from thinking about the machines, and concentrate on diving safely, and finding worthwhile subjects.

How do you choose what you’re going to photograph?

Many of my subjects are a result of study about a particular plant or animal. Then, I go out and attempt to capture images that are compelling and unconventional. In addition, I love to photograph the ordinary in unusual ways. Some of my favorite photographs were found in the most ordinary places, like my backyard.

Schooling Fish

What kind of editing do you perform on your photographs, if any?

I use a Macintosh computer for some minor adjustments to color, contrast, and sizing. Legally blind since birth, I also use a large computer monitor, or a large photographic print, to see detail that I do not see when I make a photograph. I get to see everything twice, first as an impression, then with more clarity and detail.

How much time (on average) does it take to complete a work?

It depends of the subject, or project. Some works are completed in a day, others take months to get just the image I am after. I have other theme projects that may take years to complete.

How do you know when a piece is finished? Is it easy to walk away?

Sometimes I know the minute I look at the work enlarged. At other times, it may take years to feel a work is complete. Like many others I struggle with the idea of finished.

Reflections On The Beach

What do you do to overcome a ‘block’?

I go out and shoot. I block out time, with as few distractions as possible, and go out and observe until I make a connection with my surroundings. Other times I’ll sit in a spot, quietly, and wait for things to happen. This often works well for me both above and below water. Relax, and connect with your surroundings.

How well do you take criticism and how do you make use of it?

I depends who is making the critique. I have many, telented, close friends who make suggestions, and criticism from time to time. I seek criticism, and try to value everything I hear, and use to improve my practice.

Who is your favourite photographer?

An impossible question. I have been influenced by thousands of photographers. I am inspired by all of the great 20th century contemporary photographers. I grew up with magazines like: Life, Look, National Geographic, and studied the photos over and over. The first underwater photographer to really change what I do was Howard Hall. But today my favorite photographer is Sacramento photographer Pete Eckert.

Which one of your photographs is your favourite?

Giant kelp.

I spent an entire summer trying to capture the magic of diving the kelp beds in Southern California. For me, this image does just that.

Have you exhibited any of your work in galleries?

Yes, you can find a listing of recent and past shows and exhibitions on my webstie at www.visualsummit.com

Will your work be included at any upcoming contests or galleries?

www.visualsummit.com “news and events.”

Hen Rock

What are your plans for the future?

To make photographs that inspire viewers to contemplate our world of joy… and terror. (DM)

What advice do you have for budding photographers?

Pick up a camera, any camera and make photographs. Then connect with people who are doing what you want to do.

Those pictures are absolutely beautiful.  Thank you so much for sharing them with us.

You can see more of Bruce’s images at www.visualsummit.com