Operated by the Calgary Contemporary Arts Society

Faces, Places and Spaces - November 4 to December 18, 1999

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Faces Gallery

-Introduction
-Appreciation
-L. Chrismas
-A. Nishimura
-H. Palmer
-O. Semchishen
-G. Webber

"Good documentary photography uses the art of seeing through a camera to find telling images of the real world. Darkroom craft completes the final image with its best dress and state of permanence."

Artist Statements
Harry Palmer

Good documentary photography uses the art of seeing through a camera to find telling images of the real world. Darkroom craft completes the final image with its best dress and state of permanence. If my real world was the people and places of Canada then that kind of itinerant exploration delivered for me the pleasure of the tour, of the people and finally the sharing of the resulting images. My two decades of documentary work gave me the foundation to explore an entirely different photographic realm.

The transition of digital photography began with my manipulation of conventional photographic images using computer software. The learning curve involved not only the intricacies of computer software but also an element of research to find medium and media that would approach or exceed the look and permanence of conventional photography. Computer technology in the market place was also on a learning curve. As computer hardware and software got better and as I got more comfortable with it, the medium and media also improved.

I have continued to work with still photography by my scenes are now created in 3D software and photographed with a "virtual" camera ... photographs of my imagination. Furthermore I have been successful in finding the permanence that exceeds the best of conventional photography and a look that works well with my creative images.

The sharing of images has never been easier. As I became more familiar with computer technology the world wide web became an obvious place to show (and sell) my work. People from all over the world come to see the documentary photography of the people and places of Canada ... and my creative digital photography.

• You can visit Harry Palmers Web site at http://www.harrypalmergallery.ab.ca/