Peter Marr's Picks of the Exhibit
	Siblings By Dick Beery A photo Safari to Tanzania is a lifetime dream for many nature photographers, and Dick has explored this opportunity to the fullest, resulting in a portfolio of magnificent images of diverse subjects, that are outstanding in every way. One can feel his passion and love of nature in every print, and many of them have powerful and heartfelt stories to tell. I really admire the incomparable photographs of the cheetahs, from the creatively captured print of the mother training her cub in “What do you see,” to the family portrait Siblings, which is equally superb. I decided to comment further on the latter because of the added wonderment that a mother could successfully raise 4 offspring almost to adult stage. It is very evident from the mature facial and body designs and similar colorations that they are all from the same family. This awesome quartet of young cheetahs are probably used to safari vehicles stopping on the trail in order for visitors to photograph them. It is as though they are posing proudly as a united group, although the one in the center and the one lying on the ground appear bored by the whole process. These two animals would much prefer to be seen utilizing their phenomenal speed in running down prey, a feat much harder to capture even on a safari. The ambient illumination elegantly and impressively captures the resplendent colorations and visual patterns of these remarkable animals to perfection, framed creatively against the out of focus backdrop of their natural habitat. The powerful long legs clearly show why cheetahs are so fleet of foot and have no natural enemies except for man. With so much speed potential and high intrinsic intelligence, nature has rewarded the cheetahs with outstanding bold markings and striking color variations that set them aside from many of the other members of the large cat family. This is a glorious image of awe-inspiring grandeur and power, a real tribute to nature, motherhood and survival, all incomparably captured by a justly acclaimed nature photographer, Dick Beery. Peter Marr
	Toadfish By Chip Evra The astonishing beauty and magnificence that nature has created below the ocean’s surface is only now being revealed, thanks to the advances in photographic equipment, and to the consummate skills and talents of photographers like Chip. He has expertly combined his diving skills with his photographic expertise to give us an outstanding exhibition of underwater images. Of all of Chip’s memorable prints, I chose the striking image TOADFISH, to comment further on. In this stunning and breathtaking print, the initial impact is of the amazing symmetry that this fish projects, an astounding feature that is greatly enhanced by the black background and the light sandy foreground, the latter capturing a supporting shadow pattern as the fish effortlessly floats in space. The amazing colors and incredible pattern variations have been captured to perfection by the flash exposure. The delicate but deadly spines fan out in matchless unison, acting like a counterbalance to the hair-like structures radiating out from the fish. No tree bark could offer such intricate and amazing designs, horizontal and diagonal fissures of sheer beauty even the surrounds of the eyes form a continuance of these remarkable markings. One wonders why nature went to such extreme lengths to give the toadfish such a myriad of majestic patterns. These dramatic designs would certainly make the toadfish a standout in the underwater environment that it frequents, yet one wonders what its prey sees, and perhaps the overpowering impact transfixes the prey into immobilization, and hence into an easy dining delight. With the toadfish’s slightly open mouth, it appears that it is posing for the photographer, although it is being careful not to show its rows of teeth with a genuine smile. It is as though the fish was in a studio set-up, looking so meticulous and splendid as it looks directly at the camera, but it is of course a direct result of Chip’s creative talents. This is an underwater gem, certainly treasured by him and all the viewers lucky enough to see this exhibition. Peter Marr
	Stalking Leopard By Joel Krenis This superb image of a leopard in its natural environment is charged with danger and excitement, together with unsurpassed beauty and anticipation. To photograph one of the world’s endangered cat species, even when on a safari is an achievement in itself, but to capture this magnificent animal in such an imposing manner is a once in a lifetime triumph. The native habitat provides ideal camouflage for the leopard stalking its prey.  One can feel and sense the high drama in this situation, from the steadfast focus of the eyes, right through to the tip of the upswept tail. There is complete silence as the leopard passes through the path between the tall grasses, so graceful is the animal’s measured movements. Although he has to stalk and kill his prey for survival, you have the feeling that the leopard is offering a token of kindness and honor with the upturned right leg in which the claws in his giant paw are respectively retracted. The leopard’s massive and powerful body dwarfs its surroundings, and with ears fully raised and eyes locked onto the target, any prey in its path would be filled with fear and dread. The indigenous hues and colors of the background impressively complement the resplendent designs and colors of the leopard, helped greatly by the soft but revealing ambient illumination.  Everything about this powerful image rejoices in the perfection that nature offers, and Joel has to be highly commended for capturing a rare opportunity so brilliantly. Peter Marr
	Chilly Stare By Paul Yarnall All of Paul’s excellent images creatively illustrate his oneness with nature and feeling of a direct relationship with the subject matter. These attributes are clearly seen in his outstanding print of a red fox, titled, Chilly Stare, What is particularly memorable in the latter is that the fox has been photographed against a snowy landscape creating a high key head and shoulders portrait of charm and beauty that visually is remarkable. The soft direct ambient lighting, aided by the natural fill light from the surrounding snow, results in an image of warmth, clarity and color that is truly exceptional. The sharpness and exquisite detail captured in the fox’s face, together with the lovely color palette of hues that range from pure white through a delightful range of creamy and reddish browns to the intense blacks of the nose and eye surrounds, all of these features combine to make this portrait so outstanding. With a strikingly detailed slightly-open mouth and piercing glowing eyes that are fixed directly on the photographer, the immediate impression is that one is looking perhaps at a warm, cuddly animal. Nothing of course could be further from the fact, especially when one observes the teeth of this fox, particularly the two large canines in the front of the mouth. Even though this red fox is representative of a highly intelligent and cunning breed of carnivores, one cannot take away from the fact that Paul’s delightful image is both captivating and inspiring, creatively captured by a photographer who loves and admires nature. Peter Marr
Gallery Partners' Picks of the Exhibit
	Eagle Strike by Paul English The symbol of the United States, the American eagle, always attracts the viewer to the majesty of this bird. Paul has captured this wonderful bird in a decisive moment, when its wings are stretched out to maximum, the feathers splayed out on the wings like knives Its talons are out, ready for a prize meal just below the surface, pity the poor fish! This photo captures the awe of this moment. Paul uses selective focus so that all of the viewer’s energy is sent to looking at this majestic bird. This eagle gives you the sense that is the master of the universe.    Almost extinct due to the use of DDT, this wonderful bird is now thriving… though new challenges from lead may imperil it again.
	Fawn Drinking by Peter Marr Peter Marr is a valuable participant of the Image City Photography Gallery community. Since 2008 he has volunteered to write a few critiques (Peter’s Picks) for almost every show at the Gallery. We appreciate the work that he and his fellow conspirator and wife, Maureen perform for the benefit of guest photographers and the enjoyment of patrons to the Gallery. Peter’s photos in this show were shot on Kodacolor 100 or 200 and printed on Ektacolor paper between 2001 and 2002. They were selected from an exhibition of his at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History in Jamestown, New York, November 22-January 24, 2003. The richness and tonal quality of Kodacolor film is on display in Peter’s exhibition. One can clearly see the subtle changes of color of the fawn and grass. The perfect lighting enhances the splendor and texture of the coat of fur that can almost be felt. The lush green of the grass and blue of the water give context to the world of the fawn. Peter shot the photo in a vertical format, appropriate for a portrait of a fawn. The fawn is shown fully and fills nearly 75% of the frame. The vertical format itself creates some tension that is emphasized by the oblique stance of the fawn with its hind legs on higher land than the one foot in the water. The fourth leg is somewhat blurry and is moving perhaps as a balance, or downward for further support or as a beginning of a movement out of the water. The ripples emanate from the front leg in the water and the fawn appears to be just about ready to take that drink – a decisive moment. The light is directed towards the head of the fawn, which is in sharp focus as is the foreground. This light and focus as well as the shaping of the legs and the reflection in the water all bring the eye back to the center of interest or ‘catch light’ in the eye. This wonderful photo evokes the familiar image of a human or other animal bending down for a cool drink in a pond or stream magnificently. Thank you, Peter, for sharing your talent, your energy, your expertise and your knowledge of capturing moments of pure delight with your camera.
	On the Lookout by Nancy Rice The majesty of the “large cats” is presented in this wonderful photograph. Quiet power is the hallmark of these beautiful creatures, and this subject reflects this brilliantly; showing its strong shoulders in a quite resting pose, but ready to spring at any moment to chase down the days meal. The flow of the body’s shape reinforces this “being on the lookout” pose.  Ears are perked forward however there is no sense of urgency, just a calm waiting, observing of the leopard’s world.  There is a sharp focus on the whiskers displaying the care that Nancy took in making this photograph. She also employs selective focus, which produces a soft green background which is an effective counterpoint to the chiaroscuro colors of the leopard. Such photographs make one marvel at the patience of the photographer and their ability to be in situations where such images can be made.
	Moonlit #1 by Michelle Turner Although Iceland is one of the more popular destinations today, Greenland is often overlooked. Michelle has put together a wonderful collection of photographs of this country, displaying the visual diversity of this land of icebergs. The glaciers give themselves up a little at a time (called “calving”) and leave these beautiful icebergs drifting in the ocean. Wonderful textures are revealed in the reflections from the light of the moon—both the shear edge, broken from the glacier, and the softer top side. It is amazing to remember that the bulk of the ice berg’s mass is below sea level…making these even more amazing. Michelle has utilized the bands of clouds in the background sky along with striations in the ocean to create a dramatic contrast with the iceberg.