Jay Fitzpatrick – The Science & Art of Photography
IMAGE: Eastern Star (Portsmouth) by Jay Fitzpatrick
By Kimberly J.B. Smith
Contributing Writer
The amazing photography of Jay Fitzpatrick is a combination of vision, science and a collaboration with nature. His work in photography is also a revisiting of a skill that lay dormant for many years.
It started decades ago while in college. Jay was the photographer for the school newspaper back when 35mm film was used and the photographer turned into a magician in the dark room. Working in the dark, projecting negatives onto photo paper, running photos through trays of potions, this is where photographs were artistically edited. However, Jay’s journey led him to reporting and editing. By the time Jay picked up the camera again, technological advances had reinvented the process of photography.
Jay gives a nod to his classes at the New Hampshire Institute of Art in Manchester where he learned how to use his first digital camera. Leaving 35mm film and dark room behind, Jay entered the world of seemingly endless possibilities.
In fact, Jay’s current camera has over 1,000 combinations of settings. Then the photograph can be artistically transformed using software with hundreds more options. This is where Jay’s vision really shines. This is why visitors flock to his display at the Lakes Region Art Association gallery at the Tanger Outlets in Tilton.
Jay doesn’t limit himself to one genre of photography. This enables him to use his vision whenever and wherever he is. Unlike a tourist who documents their trips, Jay’s eye finds unique images to use to make pictures, rather than take pictures. This is a profound difference in philosophy and strategy.
When looking at Jay’s collection, you will find exquisite floral images that recall Georgia O’Keeffe’s flowers. One macro image is a perfect composition of fall leaves floating on a black background as if in outer space. Portraits that seem to enable the viewer to see and know the individual – much like what having a sixth sense might enable. Landscapes are also more than simply a subject and composition – skies bring that extra special vision. Jay’s skies are like a once in a lifetime ability to view beyond the senses. The colors of each subject are also more exquisite. This is where we come to understand Jay’s philosophy of making pictures rather than taking pictures.
Jay’s photographs are available in prints, on gallery wrapped canvas and in all sizes. Some are framed while others are matted. Jay now also teaches group classes and private lessons in digital photography. In addition to Jay’s photography at LRAA in Tilton, he can be viewed at facebook.com/f8photographynh. Be sure to check him out both online and in Tilton.
