From childhood, my Grandfather fostered in me a deep love and appreciation for wildlife. I have photographed wildlife for many years and I am always intrigued by the diversity and color of the varied species. While the brilliant colors of ducks and song birds are striking, there is an elegant simplicity to the brilliant Great White Egret.

Around the turn of the century the fancy breeding plumage of Egrets were in fashion. Several species of Egrets were nearly driven to extinction by plume-hunters for the trade in feathers for ladies hats. Exotic feathers were in very high demand making the trade in feathers very profitable. Thankfully, hunting laws and changes in fashion trends have put a damper on the exotic feather trade.

When I look closely at Egrets I can understand the attraction of the fashion designers. The strong white flight feathers, the long delicate filaments that cascade down an egret's back and even the fine pin feathers of the young are both beautiful and elegant. Black and white photographs are uniquely suited for these images. The monochrome renders all else in the image inconsequential and invites the viewer to focus solely on the structures and contrasts of the bird.

“Fashion’s Flight” celebrates the fashion that is the Egret.

Fashions Flight
Delaplaine Visual arts Center, Frederick Maryland
Gardiner Gallery
Show Dates March 5, 2011 through June 24, 2011
Artist Reception Saturday April 2, 2011 from 3-5pm.