The Master of Shadows?
The Short Answer:
I’m an expert in the use of shadows in my photography, intentionally leading the viewer’s eyes to a predetermined destination in the image. My consistent and instinctual use of shadows in my photography is the signature element, and the underlying foundation, defining the easily identifiable style known as Solaris.
The Long Answer:
Another artist that I hold in high regard suggested the title The
Master of Shadows while he was looking at a large body of my work.
Up to that point, I had never had the ability to see the similarity in my work, which had been right in front of me for years. I had been blinded by repetition. Until then I was unable to recognize the fact that I had been shooting and developing a distinct style of photography for many years.
But why would an artist even want a title? What’s the point? I see it as a statement to the public that I believe in my competency, and that it says I am committed as well as obligated to producing photography that is true to my style of work, giving my customers the creativity they have come to expect. I hope to achieve recognition by successfully recreating the style of work that my title suggests.
Having a title such as The Master of Shadows is a reminder that my style of photography must have a constant direction. Where I was blind to the consistency of my style of photography in the past, thus stunting my growth as an artist, a title allows me the freedom to develop my style more fully with each click of the shutter.
There’s a difference between a commercial photographer and an art photographer.99.9% of all wedding photographers are commercial photographers, specialized in weddings. The commercial photographer produces photographs that are in focus, well lit, and capture a lot of detail. The commercial photographer is a flatterer. The Art photographer produces the kinds of photographs that are far more than simple information; they have attitude and context through the daring use of angle, depth, perspective, and light. Wedding photographs are art when people want a copy of them, even if they don’t know the bride and groom. I strive to become a better artist with every wedding I capture.
Aric C. Hoek, the Master of Shadows ®
Professional Photographer
Solaris
