Born in Los Angeles CA.
Raised in Oakhurst CA ( a small community in the southern Sierra Nevada about 50 miles south of Yosemite Valley).
My interest in photography is connected to my interest in nature. A trout stream wound through the subdivision where I grew up. During my high school years, I spent most of my summer days alone fising that stream. I didn't catch a lot of fish. But this is where I grew to appreciate the beauty and serenity of nature. I got my first serious camera ( used Praktika LTL) in 1975. When I got my first batch of slides back, I learned two things. First I had a lot to learn and I now had the tool to express my love of nature.
Everything I know about photography is self taught. I never learned the so-called 'rules'. I made a lot of mistakes and that is how I learned to take good pictures.
In addition to the Praktika I have also used an Alpa Si-2000 (1980) and a Yashica AF-230 (1987). Unfortunately both the Alpa and the Yashica both died in 2004. Now I use a Nikon D-5300 and Nikon Coolpix S-6800 digital cameras..
Over the years, I have developed a number of photographic fascinations that I keep returning to.
I have a fascination with flowers. They are brightly colored and are filled with intricate detail.
I have a fascination with rivers and streams (I was raised on one). Streams are peaceful and make wonderful patterns.
Above all I have a fascination with the patterns, forms and structures of nature.
I hope you enjoy my photos as much as I enjoyed making them.
Chris Gudger joined Pixels.com Licensing on January 24th, 2011.