One of my favorite things about producing the Folio Podcast is hearing directly from photographers about the behind-the-scenes stories and inspirations related to their work.  Many times a favorite image will take on a whole new level of value and meaning to me once I know more from the artist about how and why it was created.

I’ve decided to reach out to photographers I admire and showcase their work here on the blog, along with the story about the making of the image in the photographer’s own words.

Kicking off the series is an image created by Sydney-based photographer Steve Coleman.  I’m inspired by Steve on many levels — including his thoughtful and passionate approach to photography, and his appreciation of the natural world.  In addition, Steve generously shares his branding and design expertise with the creative community through his column on the Livebooks blog, and via his Facebook page.

Thank you Steve for agreeing to participate, and for sharing with us the story behind the making of this wonderful image.

Steve Coleman: “I don’t think I have a favourite image.  My liking for my photographs seems to change with my mood. Often how I feel about a picture has a lot to do with the circumstances around which I shot the image. This picture of the red sky over the Sydney’s Opera House almost did not happen, and in the process taught me an important lesson about landscape photography. For this reason I’m particularly proud of this photograph.

“I had been waiting almost an hour and a half before I took this shot. It was a wet, dark, grey, gloomy, depressing morning. No interesting light. No drama in the sky.  A nothing kind of morning. I had just packed up all my camera gear and was about to leave.  Suddenly the sun broke through a small break in the clouds. The sky lit up for no more than 45 seconds. It took me about 30 seconds to open the tripod, mount my Mamiya 7 camera, guess at the exposure and dial it in. I hand held a split ND filter to take the edge off the light. I had time for  two exposures and then the light was gone. Back to gloom.  This image taught me to be patient, watch and be prepared. I am thankful for this experience.”

Shot on  6 x 7  Velvia 50 Film / Mamiya 7II / 43MM

Image copyright: Steve Coleman