Photos and Fractals Feed Photographer's Passion for Nature

Bob Janules hasn't always understood the intricacies of fractals, or how nature manages to reiterate itself by way of delicate patterns – as in snowflakes – that seem impossible to recreate by human standards.

His booth at this weekend's Nashua Area Artists' Association 58^th Greeley Park Art Show featured prints of his computer-generated fractals as well as macro snapshots of nature. His particular passion right now is photographing butterflies.

His eye for nature photography is something he inherited from his dad, an outdoorsman who enjoyed retreating to his cabin in Pittsburg – something else Janules inherited, which provides him a retreat and plenty of natural space to explore.

“I spend many hours at a time out in the environment looking for butterflies. You learn a lot about nature through the process of photographing them. You learn all about the eco-system, and how every species has a particular plant they depend on, the the Bog Copper depends on bog cranberries,” Janules explained. “I'm concerned that there are a few in particular that may no longer be in New Hampshire anymore – the Hoary Comma and the Jutta Arctic are two butterfly species I just can't find, no matter how long I spend looking in the places they should be.”

Seven years ago Janules, of Merrimack, began exploring computer-generated fractals, creating images which have become his calling card.

“I remember seeing a book when I was young by a photographer named Elliot Porter. I loved how he didn't capture the big events, like sunsets or waterfalls. He'd focus on something like a patch of ground with a particular pattern or color,” Janules said. “His book, 'Nature's Chaos,' introduced me to fractal patterns and those that occur in nature. I'm very interested in fractal geometry and the chaos theory.”

Janules has devoted himself to photography since retiring from Nashua Corporation, where he worked in quality assurance. He considers himself a lifelong scientist, who also enjoys collecting minerals.

“My father loved the untouched, tangled mess of nature up in Pittsburg. He'd go long before they built [Interstate] 93, when it was a five hour trip. You'd have to drive through every city along the way – Manchester, Concord – just to get away,” Janules said. “It shows how far someone would be willing to go just to be in a pristine environment."

The Greeley Park Art Show continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features a variety of fine artists, photographers, jewelry artisans, and textile artists.

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