Every picture tells a story

By Allison Mintz

Howard Paley has an eye for detail and knows how to capture the most exquisite photographic images. His passion for landscape photography is clearly present when looking through his work. The beauty, depth of color, and his ability to bring the outdoors to life makes his work such an inspiration for everyone to see.

Howard hails from New York, but moved to Tucson to attend college in the

Howard Paley

mid 1970’s. He instantly fell in love with the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. As Paley said, “Tucson has sunrises and sunsets that absolutely take my breath away. I have never grown tired of them.” It is no surprise that so many of Paley’s photos encompass the beauty of the Southwest. His photos capture the magnificent presence of saguaros, the power of the monsoon storms, and the majestic depth of the mountains.

Paley studied Range Management at the University of Arizona. He wanted to learn everything he could about the desert. He studied a full range of subjects from geology and landuse management to watershed and wildlife management. As Paley explained, “through this program one truly begins to understand the desert, ecosystem, which has made my approach to landscape photography different then the average person.”

As an avid hiker, Paley immersed himself in nature and all of its splendor. “I have spent a lot of time on the range. It was a career path for me early in my

career, which forced me to focus and discover the nuances of the ecosystem.” This understanding brings so much more heart and realism to his work. His photographs are bold, authentic, and truly mesmerizing.

In looking through his portfolio, it is easy to become transformed as the emotional response you will feel is astonishing. As Paley said, “every photographer wishes that a piece of their artwork could have that kind of strength and appeal. Whether it’s beauty or ruin, as an artist I think we all strive for that….and every once and awhile, you get lucky.”

Capturing the best picture is an art and skill that requires patience and persistence. You have to be willing to get up early and stay in one place for long Some of Paley’s favorite images periods of time to capture include the doorways of Tucson. In the picture and light you are envisioning. As Paley said, these photos, he captures the vibrant, “if you don’t go, you don’t colorful, and quintessential Barrio Viejo. get! You have to out in the field.” Sometimes, you are As Paley explains, “doorways in just the right place at just are an expression of who lives inside. the right moment to capture something truly grand and It tells a story without you having to.” life altering.

Paley shard an image from the Lower Salt River that made such an impact on him. He said, “when I look at it, it places me back into the landscape and gives me that same aha moment. For the photographer, it is experiential. Is there a God, Yes! What a privilege to be standing here experiencing this moment and knowing that I could capture it and share it with someone else. That photo just makes my heart sing.”

Some of Paley’s favorite images include the doorways of Tucson. In these photos, he captures the vibrant, colorful, and quintessential Barrio Viejo. As Paley explains, “doorways are an expression of who lives inside. It tells a story without you having to.” Another image that Paley enjoyed sharing was the picture of a bison. “When this picture is printed on canvas, it is riveting! The detail in the hide,...the eye follows you around the room,... it is stunning.” This picture had quite a unique story, as Paley recounted sitting in a tiny Geo Metro in the Grand Teton National Park that was suddenly surrounded by a heard of bison. As he and his wife waited for the morning light break over the ridge, the sun lit up a bull that was standing just 10 yards away from the car. Paley slowly rolled down the window and started taking pictures. The image is captivating and brings this majestic animal to light. Paley spoke fondly of his work that is currently housed in the VA Hospitals of Safford, Tucson, and Albuquerque. According to Paley, there are over 300 pieces on display at these facilities. He mentioned an email that he had once received from a veteran thanking him for his work and saying, “it allowed them to leave the building, without leaving the room.” Being able to create a work of art that offers an escape for someone who may be struggling with PTSD or other medical issues, is truly heartwarming and a measure of the importance of Paley’s work.

Prints of Paley’s photographs can be purchased at Art Studio 101 in Phoenix and directly through his Facebook page. Message him...Send him an e-mail at hpaley55@gmail.com or call (520) 419-4816.