By Jasmine Willis
DANSVILLE – A local photographer has a solo exhibit at the art center this fall.
Dick Thomas has been captivating the community with his work for years. His latest exhibit “A Natural Selection” will be on display at Dansville ArtWorks this month.
A few new photos include Snow Geese migrating in the Department of Environmental Conservation at the Avon Pond. A look at a partial solar eclipse as the sun pushes through. Some strong trees in different weather elements and beacons of light cascading through the branches. There are also a few new animals to marvel at in vibrant colors.
Thomas finds a lot of passion on National Road hunting down his landscape photos in Geneseo. If he can get out there for the right moment, he captures it on his lenses.
“I value a lot of the trees we have around here. When you think about the fact that it took hundreds of years for them to grow it is incredible. There is a lot of history behind the trees in our landscape,” he said. “They look magical when you find the right light and weather. I love a foggy morning when the light is coming through the branches.”
Some of the best places to capture landscape photos is Letchworth State Park, Stony Brook, Caledonia and Nations Road in Geneseo.
“A lot of people turned to photography for therapy when the pandemic happened. It has a nice therapeutic effect to it. It forces you to slow down and wait for the right moment,” Thomas said. “It takes a lot to get the right photos. I have been doing this for over 40 years now. We all develop our own styles. The more time and experience you put in the more of an emotional impact you get.”
Photography was a way to heal during the pandemic for Thomas and others. Thomas said he saw a global shortage of photography equipment. The bookstores were all out of nature and photography books. Thomas said the pandemic caused millions to be more aware of nature and the impact it has around them.
On the partial solar eclipse that highlights his solo exhibit this month, Thomas said it was much too bright to capture on a normal lens. Thomas has a lens he can view without having to look through his camera. This protected his eyes from the eclipse.
“My annual goal every time around deer hunting season is to go hunt with my camera. I want to get a nice buck photo. I look for the perfect shot every year. If I don’t get it, I just keep my hopes up for the following year,” he said. “On locations I desperately want to go back to Alaska. I was there for a couple of weeks once. I want to get the landscapes and wildlife there. I also have a goal to make it to Scotland.”
Thomas can also be seen at The Village Gallery in Caledonia and Image City in Rochester.
Stop by Dansville ArtWorks at 153 Main St. this month to see his solo work. Hours are Weds. to Fri. noon to 6 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.