Chris Sheppard's Artist Statement:

I grew up in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, a University Medalist at Acadia, then studied acting at Circle in the Square in New York City. After working in theatre, film and for several years as a Pastry Designer and Chef, I returned home to start a family and begin a new career as a counselor and instructor at Flowercart, working with adults who have intellectual disabilities.

Photography became a tool for documenting my new love of hiking, exploring and rockhounding that I had recently discovered in my backyard! I founded Fundy Rocks with my father to share these adventures, recording climbs into places like Amethyst Cove and then posting on-line images of gorgeous agates and amethysts. Fundy Rocks also does educational presentations about rock collecting and photographing these shores.

A year and a half ago photography started to become more than a tool but a means to express myself creatively. I began to study everything I could get my hands on about this craft that I found so rewarding. It was more than a little daunting at first.

During my adventures hiking the shores of the Cape Split peninsula and the rivers and hills of Kings County, I became more and more aware of the quality of light I was seeing, especially in the very early mornings and into the evenings. Fog and heavy snow especially intrigued me, and I realized that this beautiful and changing light during changes in weather would be of utmost importance to my photography.

My days studying acting showed me the importance of getting to the essence of a scene. I am learning to do the same with my photography, constantly searching for the simplest and strongest way to capture what I see and share how it makes me feel. I also like to explore isolated details in nature such as ice formations, or wood that has been transformed by the elements and time.

I use a minimal amount of equipment to make my photographs. I started out with a simple compact camera and not too long ago started using a Nikon DSLR. I use only one lens, a wide angle zoom and a few essential filters. I consider my tripod a critical piece of equipment for the careful way I work. I use only a basic amount of editing to create my images wanting the scenes to look as natural as possible.

I also exercise a form of pre-visualization in my work. By visiting the same locations again and again I discover the strongest way to capture a scene and express my feelings about it. I then return when I have a sense that the light might be special and make my photograph, wasting no time figuring out what I want to show. Many of my favorite photographs would not have been possible without this approach of deliberate planning. Moments of exceptional light are often fleeting. I have also found myself chasing the light, thinking of camera adjustments and settings I will need to make so I am ready as soon as my tripod legs hit the ground! On a few occasions these more fortuitous captures have surprised me.

Every time I go out and explore with my camera I learn something more about the craft, my art and myself. I am enjoying this journey immensely.

When I am not working or studying photography I am spending quality time with my amazing and supportive partner April and my two lovely daughters Alma (4) and Bridgitte (1)!

I share my photographic journey through Fundy Rocks at www.facebook.com/fundyrocks