Mel Wilson

Mel Wilson, a resident of Estes Park, Colorado, received his Certificate of Graduation, from the New York Institute of Photography, November 11, 1980.

After retirement in 1983, Mel with his wife moved to Estes Park. It was there, that he became aware of the many ever-pleasant scenes, which were for the viewing throughout our western states. The artistic works of some of the local photographers inspired him to strive to accomplish what they had. To be able to look upon the creations that god had provided for His people, to capture that beauty, and make it available to all to enjoy. Mel believes that although much was acquired through formal training, the reading of a scene, it’s most appealing composure, and the use of natural light and correct exposure are all refined through trial and error in the field.

Mel works with a thirty five-millimeter auto-reflex and a large format 4x5 view field cameras. He favors using the slow color slide, and transparency film available today. He finds the use of a small aperture opening while shooting at slow speed results in very good color saturation. Mel feels a good tri-pod and cable release is absolutely necessary when shooting this way. He also uses a SLR digital camera. All of his works are the actual images of the original scene.

Mel’s style of photography tends to be pretty much of a conventional nature. He has the ability to recognize a scene and treat it for what it is, but he will also seek the most pleasing and presentable composition of it before he is satisfied that it would bring pleasure to others who view the finished photo. Mel feels that what makes a scene or landscape photograph artistic is the emotions of the photographer. There must be a connection between he and the scene. He should be appreciative of the beauty that has been created for him. Mel also feels that he has been given a talent and should apply it to make a photo a work of art, and not just a snapshot