February 2004

Mary Ludington
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Photography

My black and white photography focuses on animals and most recently on dogs.  As a process, it combines the search for the solitary beauty that exists in landscape photography with the photojournalistic challenge of capturing the essence of an object or moment over which one has no control

Many people feel a strong connection with animals and they bring that experience, as viewers, to the work.  My hope for each image is to recreate the experience of that awe and the deep bond that exists between human and animal beings.  To that end, I observe (rather than direct) with the camera and work on translating the emotional experience in the darkroom.  I feel it is important that a photograph begins with a moment that was clearly motivated my an animal's own joy, curiosity or unknowable experience.  As I select and print each image, I experiment until the combination of techniques matches the emotional experience of my encounter with that animal.

My ultimate goal is to photograph each of the American Kennel Club recognized purebred dog breeds and this exhibition represents a small portion of the nearly 160 breeds included in that group.

Most photographs are for sale.  I also accept commissioned work.  Feel free to contact me for more information.

maryludington.com