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Miss the Last Issue? You can still get it in the archive.

It's Gavin Seim here with another issue of the Light Letter. It's been too long and a very busy summer. We've been working on things like our new Power Workflow 3 presets and the Retouching Magic Workshop for photographers. Along with a portrait booth at the County fair and many other things keeping me and the crew on the run. Speaking of running, we're on the road again for a month, working on a brand new miniseries.
Gavin's Latest Photograph | Final Embers

This is a brand new image from the road, made up on the Nebo Loop in Utah's Wasatch Mountains - We were recently camped up on Nebo loop. I remember looking behind me this evening, seeing this glow and thinking "That’s Ansel light!"  Backing up the truck, I hopped out and quickly set up. I made a 70 second exposure that would convey the pastel clouds whisking over the mountain tops and I captured this. It was all I needed. You can read the rest of the story on my journal.
Speaking of Road Trips! The family is on the road right now. This time it was not just Sondra and I and the kids, but my brother Nathan and his wife as well. We've been enjoying some amazing Fall color and filming the final leg of our new miniseries PHOTOGRAPHICS.

Watch the Trailer and Pre-Order PHOTOGRAPHICS

I think I told you about our new film. It's a beautiful 4 hour series that explores what makes a great photograph, by traveling thousands of miles, studying light, studying history and posing the question to master image makers.

You can follow our road trip journal here and see where we've been. Also take a peek at the PHOTOGRAPHICS trailer. If you like what you see pre-order and help us make it as spectacular as it can be - Also Check out our road trip journal here.


Our campsite by the Big Wood River in Idaho. See Gavin's new Pictorial, Dawning of Fall.


Gavin found a great little cave for Yodeling in while out filming the new series. We have have a video of that scary event. But maybe next time ;)


How we roll out here on the road. In Utah with our newly installed tailgate graphic.
Gavin at Seattle Art Museum, Summer 2013

Art & History Throwback |
European & American Masters


Thus summer we made it to the last day of a master exhibit at Seattle Art museum. From stunning life size Gainsborough's to the Original Rembrandt self portrait. It was quite inspiring and really put the fire under me on improving my own wall decor. Too my frustration, we were not allowed to take photos in the main exhibit, but I have found images of some that we saw and will share them here.

In a world where everyone seems to make 8x10's I have to work to stay passionate about making of refined wall decor. We're hoping to open a brand new gallery in a couple years featuring nothing but my American Pictorials and the gears are turning in my head after this grand exhibit.

Over the years I've come to realize that what I really make is wall decor. I recently posted an article about this on my site, explaining why I Am No Longer A Photographer. That mindset has really helped me to think more like the way I believe the master painters did. I'm not looking for pictures, I want to make heirlooms.

Europe had it's own school and style and America worked hard to define themselves in early America. Look at the American piece on the top. A favorite of mine by Bierstadt and interestingly a scene from Washington State. Compare that to the soft tones and sweeping countrysides of the European masters. Both are stunning but they are distinct.

For more early American work see Light Letter 02 in the archives.


Abduction of Europa, by Rembrandt 1632 - 30x24


The Watering Place, by Thomas Gainsborough, 180x147cm, 1777


Self Portrait with Two Circles, by Rembrandt 1661

I saw this in person this summer and it was a piece to behold. Rembrandt is still renown as a genius with light. He set standards in using tone and light to control drama in a scene and his works take a strong role in our work even today.


The Messenger or "The Good News", by Martin Drolling, 1806, 28x35in


The Lady of Shalott, John William Waterhouse, 1888


In photographic art it's easy to be consumed by gear and gadgets and neglect the craft and art of what you are producing. But I have been learning to reject that premise.

I have learned a great deal from both the American and European schools of art. Both had unique traits and areas of similarity. The timeless quality of the works they produced remind me to think a little bigger and try a little harder.

For further reading check out...

Quote of the Day:

" Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun" - Pablo Picasso

The Final Snacks

I hope you enjoyed this issue  - We're almost done. But don't stop reading just yet because I want to close off with some bits of sweet buttery goodness. Have a good one folks... Gavin
Gavin's Super Camping Resource Guide - I've posted a big article with years of links and resources we've found for Super Camping and road trips. If you like the open road, you'll want to bookmark this resource.
This summer we displayed wall portraits at the Grant County Fair. Take a look at a video of how we did it and the response we received.
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gavin@seimstudios.com | 509-754-5255