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Paul Gallagher interviews Michael Pilkington - part 3 of 1 2 3

by Paul Gallagher Published 01/10/2009

Can you tell me about these images?

New England in the fall is something I have always wanted to do. I love autumn colours and this one place where it is supposed to be brilliant.

As is usual at this time of year, the weather was great, with wonderful blue skies and warm temperatures. I managed to drive 1,000 miles in 10 days searching out locations. Without doubt the spectacle of the forests changing colour lives up to its reputation. The range of colours is stunning, especially the reds of the maples. It is a destination I thoroughly recommend and I am sure I will go back.

As is often found in landscape photography, what the senses behold is almost impossible to convey in a photograph. The challenge for me was trying to capture coherent compositions within forests and woodlands. Saying that, photography is about abstraction and trying to convey a sense of what the eye sees and the mind experiences.

What aspect of photography do you enjoy most?

Fundamentally I am an artist (I started in watercolours), so for me it is the creation of images. A photograph, like a painting, is a moment in time captured; the play of light, the weather, the movement of trees and grasses, the reflected colours. To me, I am continually striving to capture an image that moves me emotionally, an image that I would be proud to hang on my own wall. It is this pursuit and the intermediate successes that I enjoy the most.

So what do you have planned next?

I recognise now, more than ever before, that this journey is never ending. It is conceited to think that you are good or know enough. Indeed, the more I discover, the more I know what I don't know. I love learning and developing my skills so this conclusion is very satisfactory!

The most recent part of my journey has also convinced me that this is what I really want to do. To be near nature, to travel and to create are immensely satisfying. There are many avenues to pursue in this respect and I am already putting into action some ideas. So watch this space.

More of Michael Pilkington's work can be seen at www.michaelpilkingtonphotography.com

• Paul Gallagher interviews Michael Pilkington page 1
  
• Paul Gallagher interviews Michael Pilkington page 2
  
• Paul Gallagher interviews Michael Pilkington page 3
  

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