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Artist Statement "I am driven to create photograph's that capture the feeling of experiencing something that is unique and wondrous in nature. As long as I can remember, the natural world and its many beautiful forms have always resonated deeply within me. Photography allows me to express my vision, and enjoy my passion for the outdoors. I'll never forget the feeling many years ago, standing on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in awe and amazement at what I was seeing and feeling. I knew then that my passion for the natural world would only grow, and capturing it photographically would become my artistic outlet. My current focus is creating images of local landscapes that express a personal vision, and convey a stronger sense of its beauty, depth, and intrinsic quality. The Hudson Valley provides a unique and variable resource to explore both familiar and unfamiliar points of view. While this approach is more challenging, I find it is also the most rewarding. Ultimately, my goal is to create images that make a visual and emotional connection with the viewer."
Mighty Storm King Trained as a musician, Robert Rodriguez Jr earned a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in 1987, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree and honors. Over the first 15 years of his professional life, he was a successful musical arranger and producer, working for independent and major record labels including Sony Music and Disney. He established his own media production facility where he recorded and mixed hundreds of records, and achieved national recognition and awards throughout the industry. But the allure of nature remained constant, and he eventually transitioned to landscape photography, and with it the potential to express a more creative and personal vision. Focusing on the Hudson Valley allowed Robert to discover not only beautiful landscapes often taken for granted, but the changing mood and character of the region. Seeking to capture the beauty, or convey the emotional qualities of a place or moment in nature, his images have elicited responses ranging from evocative, to spiritual and breathtaking. He frequently travels beyond in search of other dramatic and unique locations, including the Adirondacks, and the coast of Maine. Robert takes pride in a hands on approach to creating his expressive prints, working on every stage, from the initial exposure and processing, to printing and framing. His prints have been purchased by private collectors and commercial clients throughout North America. His photographs have also been featured in publications such as the New York Times. In addition, Robert is a respected educator in all aspects of photography including field work and digital editing and printing. He now teaches photography workshops, gives seminars in the region on a regular basis, and has been an invited speaker to industry associations. A member of the National Association of Nature Photographers, National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Beacon Arts Community Association, and Beekman Banners Project. In 2009, Robert was recognized by Scenic Hudson as a Hudson Valley Hero for his work and dedication to bring not only awareness, but appreciation, respect, and reverence to the natural beauty that exists in the region. Robert is passionate about conservation and the importance of protecting our natural resources for both current and future generations. Photography is a powerful tool to bring awareness and appreciation of the value and importance of nature and its frequent misuse, especially in the Hudson Valley. He has donated images to be used for promotion and fund raising to other non-profit organizations dedicated to this cause, such as The Audubon Society, and the Mohonk Preserve. Robert has also donated his time and photos to educational causes including the Mill Street Loft, Haldane School Foundation, and Clearwater. He also has worked with another photographer Tom Moore to create videos of the Hudson Valley. Here is a sample of their collaborative efforts -
Some of Robert's latest images:
Castle Fog
Little Stony Point
Magic Moment
Mount Beacon Dawn
Valley Fog Photographs are available in several sizes, matted, framed or Canvas Gallery Wrap. Please email or call with questions about sizes and prices.
Cloud Songs, Hudson River
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