Some questions you may have:

Who are you?

Hi, my name is John.  Like a lot, I wear many hats; Dad, husband, photographer, Network Specialist, mechanic, carpenter, electrician, musician, counselor, financier, BBQ’r, litter box changer, general fixer of anything broken, you get the point. I am also the creator and sole contributor of Elusive Elements Photography. 

What do you do for a living?

Alberta Health Services challenges and pays me. Creativity keeps me alive.

Why photography?

I think in pictures. I can look into some images for hours. Some move me. Some captivate me. Some scare me. A lot intrigue me. If I can offer up some images for someone and get the “Holy cow, these are good” look, I’m hooked all over again. Some are just for me and the memories they bring back. Video is great in that it gives a sense of the moment, but if I can do that with only a still image, magical.

How long have you been doing photography?

1974 Dad handed me a little Olympus Trip 35 point and shoot and it was so cool to be able to freeze a moment in time.  Man that little camera felt good and kept me continually looking for a better angle for the shot.  Third shot taken (total fluke) ended up on our wall and that was no easy feat.  That was Dad’s wall of shots. It was a low angle along a winding road with forest border and mountain in background. It just felt right. I still shoot by feel, but have learned since why it feels good. It was B&W back then which Dad let me help develop in the basement darkroom.  

It was pure excitement to watch the picture develop before my eyes.  Swishing the paper around and the smell of the chemicals is a fond memory. Hours were spent under that red light.

In 1983 with a newer SLR and a couple of lens, my photography evolved into documenting my life and having photographic proof of adventures and again a way to reflect and enjoy the moments.  This was using 35 mm Kodak colour film which was developed at labs.  The week turnaround time was excruciating.  Bursting with anticipation and sometimes not even making it out of the store before tearing open the envelope to see those awesome captures.  Followed by yet another surge of excitement knowing I could do better. 

In 2000 over to digital and have never looked back. 

What are your plans for your photography business?

Honestly, I shoot for fun mainly. It’s hard to charge for something that does not feel like work.  Time will tell where the lens will point me.

Nikon, Olympus or Canon?

Nikon.

Thanks for visiting.

John.

For more images:

You can find me on Facebook and Flickr.


John Holden
Elusive Elements Photography.