In the world of photography, there are artists who master the craft and then there are those who elevate it to the realm of fine art. Michael Hartley, based in the enchanting South Coast of England, undeniably belongs to the latter category.
With a career spanning over two decades, Michael’s love affair with photography began in 1998 when he acquired his first digital camera. Little did he know that this moment would mark the inception of a remarkable artistic odyssey. From humble beginnings, he embarked on a path of continuous exploration, evolving through various cameras and genres before finding his true calling in the mesmerizing world of black and white photography.
Today, Michael’s work is a testament to his unwavering dedication to this unique style. He has harnessed the power of digital photography and the artistic potential of the monochrome palette to create scenes that possess a timeless, spacious, and fine-art aesthetic. His lens captures the sublime beauty of nature, turning fleeting moments into enduring visual treasures.
Situated on the stunning South Coast, with the awe-inspiring Jurassic Coast and ancient New Forest as his backyard, Michael is surrounded by a wealth of photographic opportunities. The ever-changing English weather only adds to the mystique of his craft. His photographic adventures take him deep into nature, a place where he feels most alive. Here, amidst the serene landscapes, he finds the inspiration to create art that speaks to the soul.
But it doesn’t stop at capturing moments; for Michael, the magic happens in the post-processing. Armed with a keen eye for detail, he meticulously fine-tunes his photographs, elevating them from mere records to powerful expressions of his creative vision. In this process, ambient electronic music provides the soundtrack to his artistic journey, infusing each image with a touch of nostalgia.
We asked Michael a few interesting questions to get to know him better and here is what he had to say;
What helps you get up everyday?
Always happy that I get another day. I try to experience as much of it as I can. This doesn’t mean constantly doing new things – but being present. It’s so very easy to slip into repetitive ways. Go sit in nature – the bigger the better – and you’ll end up with this different feeling about your life. Love, music, learning and creating are how I like to fill my days.
Three words to define your culture.
Fast – Dynamic – Funny.
How would you briefly define these pieces?
These scenes were captured at the Jurassic Coast on the southern coast of England. It is a 95 mile stretch of coastline, where ancient rocks were pushed to the surface. Spanning around 185 million years, there are sections from the Triassic, Cretaceous and Jurassic periods. As you can imagine, it has a strikingly different feel to a regular coastline. It doesn’t take long to spot fossils, and signs of the prehistoric environment. There are coves, sea stacks and arches. Combined with the English weather, and tides, it makes a great place for black and white photography. I like to find scenes that have a certain stillness, and often shoot wide angle, long-exposure shots. There are so many textures and tones, just perfect for black and white. Slowing down the shutter adds more emphasis to the ancient nature. It’s a favourite place to make the photographs that I move into art.
Michael’s commitment to perfection extends beyond the digital realm. He meticulously prints and refines his work, ensuring that the tonal distribution and overall impact are nothing short of extraordinary. His dedication to craftsmanship shines through even in the high-resolution NFTs he creates, pushing the boundaries of digital art.
In his quest for excellence, Michael has experimented with various printing techniques, from third-party Giclée printers to home darkrooms. His most recent endeavor involves aerial perspectives, as he explores the world through the lens of his first drone, opening up new dimensions in his art.
In 2021, Michael embraced a new chapter in his artistic journey when he discovered NFTs. Excited by the potential paradigm shift they represent, he ventured into the world of blockchain-based art. Here, art is collected and displayed in groundbreaking ways, with unalterable proof of origin stored securely on the blockchain. It’s early days for this transformative technology, but it holds immense promise for the art world, and Michael is at the forefront of this evolution.
Michael Hartley’s art is a testament to the profound connection between nature and creativity. It’s a reminder that in the stillness of nature, we find the inspiration to create timeless beauty. His journey serves as an inspiring narrative, reminding us all that when you follow your passion, you can transcend the ordinary and create something truly extraordinary.
