Bear Lake Reflections, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Mel Wilson, a resident of Estes Park, Colorado, received his Certificate of Graduation from the New York Institute of Photography, November 11, 1980. He started his photographic practice shooting weddings, reunions and other people photography. In 1983, Mel with his wife moved to Estes Park, and it was here he became aware of the beauty and photo opportunity that the Colorado area offered. He was inspired by it all and has become an accomplished  photographer. Mel's work is displayed in Estes Park at the Art Center of Estes Park & the Eagles Nest Gallery, He also has images at the Art n' soul Gallery located in the Twin Peaks Mall at Longmont, Colorado. The equipment Mel uses in the field is a 4x5 large format view camera and a Canon F1-35mm film camera. On occasion he will also use a Canon SLR digital camera. Mel's style of photography tends to be quite conventional. He takes pride in his ability to recognize a scene and treat it for what it is, But he will also seek the most pleasing and presentable composition before he is satisfied that people will enjoy the image as much as he did in capturing it. The beautiful image above, "Bear Lake Reflections" captured in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, is a fine example of what can be achieved by recognizing the potential of the scene, selecting the proper composition and having the patience to chose the right time and light to take the shot. The result is an inspiring work of art instead of just a "snapshot". Mel believes that what makes a photograph artistic is the emotion of the photographer. There must be a connection between the artist and the subject, and there must be a great feeling of appreciation for the image presented to them-- be humbled by it, understanding that only our God could orchestrate such beauty.