Featured image:Â Last Light Joshua Tree, William Lemke, 2010, silver gelatin photograph, 28 x 22 in. / 71.12 x 55.88 cm.
William Lemke's works are a profound ode to the tranquility and subtlety of nature, captured through the refined artistry of black and white photography.
William Lemke is a photographer known for his poignant black and white landscapes, employing traditional silver gelatin techniques to explore the serene and subtle beauty of natural environments.
Utilizing traditional techniques of silver gelatin prints from large format negatives, Lemke brings an almost ethereal quality to his photographs that resonates with a deep sense of peace and introspection. His pieces, like "Lake McDonald," "Morning Frost Yellowstone," and "Rock Nova Scotia," not only display his mastery of the medium but also his exceptional ability to find and frame the serene beauty of natural environments.
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Lake McDonald (2009):
Lake McDonald, William Lemke, 2009, silver gelatin photograph, 28 x 22 in. / 71.12 x 55.88 cm.
This image captures the stillness of Lake McDonald with a solitary tree emerging from the water, creating a focal point that draws the viewer into a reflective state. The gradations of light and shadow across the lake and distant mountains are rendered with exquisite detail, highlighting Lemke’s skill in manipulating exposure and contrast to evoke emotion and depth.
Morning Frost Yellowstone (2011):
2011, silver gelatin photograph, 28 x 22 in. / 71.12 x 55.88 cm.
Here, Lemke captures the crisp essence of a frosty morning in Yellowstone. The image is textured richly with frost-laden grass, leading the viewer's eye to explore the intricate details often overlooked in colder climates. The high contrast between the dark, barren wood and the white frost adds a dramatic touch that underscores the harsh realities of natural life cycles.
Rock Nova Scotia (2009):
Rock Nova Scotia, William Lemke, 2009, silver gelatin photograph, 28 x 22 in. / 71.12 x 55.88 cm.
A minimalist composition that features a solitary rock surrounded by a smooth, almost ethereal body of water. This photograph is a meditation on isolation and the enduring strength of nature. The stark contrast and the simplicity of the subject matter allow the viewer to contemplate the resilience and timelessness of the natural world.
William Lemke’s photographic work stands out for its purity and stillness, capturing moments of undisturbed natural beauty with a contemplative quality that is both rare and mesmerizing. Each piece serves not only as a visual retreat but also as an invitation to pause and reconnect with the natural world.
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Lake New York, William Lemke, 2005, silver gelatin photograph, 28 x 22 in. / 71.12 x 55.88 cm.
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