ENTRY DESCRIPTION
My preliminary selection is based on an initial emotional response. I look at individual cut stems of flowers, a bouquet of cut flowers or a plant taking into account their shapes and color. While I do not shoot in color, the color variations can create a distinctive texture. The objective is to capture the unique structure of the flower – shapes, lines and texture.

Flowers symbolize many concepts depending on the context and the culture. Specific flowers correspond to culturally specific symbols. I create my floral studies to symbolize sensuality and to be interpretative. Prior to clicking the shutter, I select a black or elegant white background to present my subject against; and pay careful attention the composition, the focus, the quality of lighting and anticipate printing the image in the darkroom. To round out my artistic expression, I use my darkroom skills to create depth and warmth in the subject. For those images presented on an elegant white background, they take on the look of a sketch or painting.

This image was created in 2014 with a Mamiya RZ67 Professional II medium format camera with a Sekor Z 110mm f/2.8W lens. I used Ilford Delta 100 Professional Black & White film and print on Ilford multigrade FB warmtone paper (glossy finish).

AUTHOR
Contemporary fine art photographer Dale M Reid took charge of her destiny by making a commitment to herself and her life partner and soulmate.

Reid’s belief in herself has allowed her to chart a new course in life as a full-time professional artist and transgender woman. As Dale transitioned through her new life journey, she developed technical skills, questioned convention, trusted her instincts, and with her passion, was able to craft a distinctive artistic voice. Her artwork ranges from classical to sensual to erotic and engages the viewer to question what they see.

Owning who we are, respecting and trusting our character, and engaging people has allowed Dale to be accepted as a respected woman and professional artist.

In this digitalized world of pop art photography, Dale's unique traditional monochromatic images contain elements of being a painting or graphite. The lack of color allows the viewer to focus on the variety of textures and the richness of interesting lines and shapes that engage in an elegant, visual synthesis in each photograph.

Reid developed her artistic style with a strong focus on creating landscape images ranging from maritime to urban to industrial views. Today, her artwork is primarily created in the studio where she imbues botanical subjects with unimaginable personality and emotion.

Dale has achieved international recognition through participation in solo and group exhibitions, receiving awards and having her artwork published in print and online.

Dale M Reid is currently based in Toronto, Canada.

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