Wilderness Art

Ken has developed a detailed methodology that leads to his successes as a Wilderness Artist. Ken’s Code of Wilderness Art sets a framework for a process to accomplish amazing photographs. It’s actually quite simple. Embodying the subject allows him to get the camera in the right place. Envisioning concepts allows Ken to find the secrets within the wilderness surrounding him.

 
Ken Capturing Sunburst Peak - Assiniboine Provincial Park

Ken Capturing Sunburst Peak - Assiniboine Provincial Park

Ken’s Code Of Wilderness Art

  1. Be safe. No photograph is worth your health

  2. Have fun. Remember why you started to wander.

  3. Get up! The couch and TV will be there when you return.

  4. Spend time in beautiful places.

  5. Embrace the weather and other circumstances.

  6. Be ready. Opportunities are very transient.

  7. Research your subjects and spend time with them.

  8. Read your camera manual thoroughly and repeatedly.

  9. Experiment. Play with all of those buttons and dials.

  10. Imagine the impact of design elements and principles.

  11. Shoot with purpose and shoot again. Visual push-ups…

  12. Persist.

 

Embodiment

“When I’m out in the wilderness I say to myself,

Bear, Tree, Eagle, Wolf.

What do I need to be today,

To get the camera in the right place?”

- Ken Hoehn

Concept Photography

Concept photography is rooted in taking pictures of concepts rather than species or places. For example, the concept for “Spirit Voices” (pictured below) comes from the idea of communicating sound through photography. A Loon call is a haunting sound that represents the wilderness for many. You can hear the audio of a loon call below.

After coming up with the concept the next step is to name it, “Spirit Voices”. The name represents the concept of the picture and leaves a lasting impression that resembles Ken’s vision for the image.

Finding a name for a piece only means the real challenge begins. From naming to photographing “Spirit Voices” was an extensive amount of time spent in the wilderness. There are many things that have to align for the right picture to happen. The Loons need to be in the right light. The morning fog needs to be present. The camera has to be close enough to capture the droplets on the Loons’ plumage. To achieve “Spirit Voices” Ken waded through the water staying in the mist to shroud himself, a coyote technique he observed while they stalk geese in the shallow waters.

Spirit Voices - Common Loons

Spirit Voices - Common Loons