Photographer John Hintz shares a collection of macro nature images with dazzling reversed colors. Visit his website to see more.
“Butterscotch” photography, 19” x 24”
My mission as a photo artist is to capture with my camera the most striking nature-made compositions I can find. Then I process the photos to expose deeply hidden details and colors. I begin by cropping, flipping and/or rotating as needed to ensure there is good balance and flow in my photos and to better position the focal point if necessary.
“Cosmic Lily Pond” photography, 36” x 27”
Next, I invert the colors. It is this step that uncovers intricate detail and the most subtle colors. In the end, and if successful, the images I create present nature’s beauty in a unique, exciting and visually appealing new way. I now call them my Inverted Color Images of Nature.
“Deep Rooted” photography, 24” x 24”
For me, it all began back in the late 60’s when I attended the Cleveland Institute of Art. Then, for nearly 40 years, I was a product promotions manager for an industrial supplier. Much of that time was spent taking and developing photos of machinery, always in black and white.
“Shells 1 23B” photography, 16” x 20”
In 2011 I retired, moved to Venice, Florida. I was immediately awestruck by the lushness and color of my new surroundings, which were a far cry from what I was used to in Ohio. Like many Florida newcomers, I joined a number of local camera clubs, bought a new Nikon and began focusing my attention on nature photography, such as birds, flowers, and sunsets.
“Off in the Weeds 2” photography, 36” x 23”
It wasn’t long, however, before I found myself leaning more to the fascinating plant life (palms, lily pads, sea grapes, spanish moss, etc.) with all their astonishing lines, shapes textures and colors. I began thinking of my field trips as treasure hunts.
“Festive Gathering” photography, 32” x 40”
I would challenge myself to find and capture the most amazing, nature-made compositions (scenic treasures) I could find. Photos shot of plants in water with all the ripples, distortions and reflected colors usually produced some striking pics. The majority of my photos, however, weren’t all that exciting. There were too many dull greens, browns and grays.
“Stamina” photography, 36” x 36”
Eventually I found I could use software to invert the colors in my photos to their exact opposite on the color spectrum (greens became reds, etc.). It was amazing to discover how such a single key stroke on a computer could not only produce such an extraordinary color palette, but more importantly uncover and enhance color and detail that was nearly invisible in the original pics.
“Undertow 2” photography, 36” x 27”
Going forward, with my COOLPIX P900 and laptop, I will continue exploring Florida’s Suncoast. I plan to create more intriguing images to show and sell at the Venice Art Center, local galleries, and on my website. For exhibitions, I have found that my photos look best when printed on canvas and placed in a floater frame. In fact, viewers are often surprised to learn it is a photograph they are looking at, not a painting.
“Focal Points” photography, 30” x 23”
Mother Nature creates all the amazing artistic compositions that surround us. The goal of my art is to simply make them easier to see and enjoy.
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