Double Exposure for Local Photographer

There's a first time for everything and is having his turn as July Artist of the Month where his collection of fine art photography, 'Africa Adventure' is on view at the library.

Viewers can take in views from far away places in both the lower level gallery and main floor exhibit space.

The collection emanates from what Holland describes as a "trip of a lifetime."

Holland along with five other photographers from an on-line forum, 'Photography on The Net' took one year of planning the Africa itinerary before the actual trip in 2007.

As firefighter/EMT for Ridgefield Fire Department, Holland has always loved making images and has had much success publishing work in area newspapers and on-line sites.

Many of the images show a beautiful, golden quality of light against wide open horizons. The group traveled to Etosha National Park, Daan Viljoen Game Preserve, Caprivi, Nambia and Chobe National Park.

Animals 'captured' in the frame include leopards, baboon, elephants, jackals, zebras, and a stately lion.

"I love photographing animals because unlike people, they don't talk back," said Holland.

At one point during the trip Holland says he broke away from the group to walk alone, just to experience the surroundings by himself. It was during that journey of about five miles, Holland encountered indigenous people who he photographed as they went about their daily business.

Twenty three framed images are printed on Kodak paper and three images are printed on canvas output ready for custom framing. Holland's work is reasonably priced for sale.

Holland wants to donate 20% of any sales to Southington Library because, "It's my first show and I wanted to be able to give something back," said Holland.

When asked what he'll be photographing next, Holland said he wanted to visit Arcadia National Park in Maine, or perhaps go kayaking in Rhode Island. But for the immediate future Holland will be tending to the adventures of being a new father to son Patrick.