The images in my gallery constitute only a small fraction of my collection 

although  most of the images in the collection do fall within the above 

categories.  

My imaging outlook is described more fully in "Imaging Interests".

Apart from straight reproductions of photographs, I produce compound

images, like the one above, that contain several photographs and several 

digitally 'generated' components. Generated images are initiated in the 

computer, whereas 'scanned and manipulated' images are created 

photographically. 

The production of compound images requires a variety of modern software 

packages which have a bewildering variety of tools.  These are enormously

versatile but can be time-consuming to use: at least the techniques release

one  from the darkroom, and can be applied in comfort and in the light. 

Compound images place extra demands on the imaging enthusiast: lighting 

in the various components must  be balanced for  brightness, contrast and 

direction and boundaries between sections must be made seamless to avoid 

distracting lines.  There is nothing new in that, for Peach Robinson was 

producing images from up to seven negatives in the last century, but he 

did not also have to match colours to avoid patches showing different casts, 

or give mathematical patterns  perspective (as in the image at the top of this 

page) or introduce  surface textures.

There is a strong relationship between mathematical forms and beauty 

and this  is well manifested  in fractal patterns.  I have a particular  interest

in using  fractal derivatives as components in some abstract images.  See

Panel No. 5 above for examples of this facet of my work.

With the modern computer one can romp off into the realms of  animation or 

three-dimensional imagery and it is already possible to emulate a stroll through 

a gallery, complete with digitally created walls and rooms. Digital imaging 

offers seemingly endless challenges but for the moment I  am content to stay with 

the two dimensional image.  I find this amply rewarding, 

Now, I use a digital camera exclusively, and I have already taken several thousand 

digital images.  to create compound images, I also draw on my collection of several 

thousand 35 mm  slides, that I have taken over a period of many years .

  This collection constitutes my reservoir  of material. I get no pleasure in using

 images drawn from royalty-free image archives and never use them.   

(I hasten to add that implies no criticism of those who do, for  collaging 

is an art form in its own right.) 

What really appeals to me  is the expanded range of  techniques that  digital  

imaging  provides, and the greater  opportunities for self-expression.  Take a 

look at my  virtual gallery. (strange as the images  may seem to others!).   New 

images are included from time to time,

The question that all this poses  is where does the use of digital techniques 

 leave traditional art and photography?  Does  it matter any more? 

Click on the thumbnail below for a  light- hearted comment!