Wilsonville, OR -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/18/2014 -- Clear and defined shapes and forms, rich colour, striking contrasts, depth; these are some of the basic elements that make a photograph appealing or even passable. Nature abounds in colour and contrast and a myriad shapes and forms. But shooting through fog is a whole different ballgame. In fact, fog robs the visual landscape of all of the above elements. And yet, through his photograph ‘The Haar’s Requiem’, Dan Frates captures a beautiful image of a solitary lighthouse engulfed by fog.

The Yaquina lighthouse in Oregon is one of a kind. A solitary manmade structure in the middle of a fog addled wilderness. Through the photograph, Dan Frates evokes deep isolation and stillness. Despite the lack of contrasting colours, owing to the thick fog, the photograph is appealing because the purple skies of dawn and the yellow light of the lighthouse, that seems to blink like a Cyclops eye, are even more starkly visible in the setting.

Fog usually ruins what could be a good photograph. It absorbs, softens and spreads light, making the scene flat and bereft of colour. But this very feature was what Dan Frates tapped into. Here, the fog is not the enemy, but the prime subject. Which is why, the fog itself has detail. One can perceive different patterns, shapes and contours within the vast expanse of white and grey, reminiscent of Transylvanian horror stories.

Fog usually forms late in the evening and lasts through the night, before beginning to dissipate early in the morning. It forms over water that is warmer on the surface than the surrounding air. As with any form of photography, timing is everything. A few minutes of waiting, or that gut instinct that tells the photographer when to click, or when not to come thought years of experience, and a passion and love for the art that is inborn. The photograph in question is a culmination of all these elements. DennisFrates has not only successfully brought out the stark solitary beauty of the lighthouse, but also succeeded in capturing the basic visual essence of the fog, which is an overall stillness that has a constantly churning movement within.

About David Frates
David Frates is an award winning photographer whose works have been featured in National Geographic, Sierra Club and Audubon.

Media Contact:

Dennis Frates Photography
10759 SW Wellington Lane
Wilsonville, OR 97070 USA
Phone toll free: 866-657-2717
Local phone: 503-685-9826
Website : http://www.fratesphoto.com/