portraits nudes landscapes still life history repeats tom lee

Camera Info

Resume

Old Trinity

Artist Statement
I define art as the ability to make the complex appear simple and the ordinary appear extraordinary. My job as an artist is to stop and notice the beauty that rushes past. In order to concentrate on the subject, I
simplify my technique, one camera, one lens, one film, and one paper. As the composition evolves I record my impression on film. In the darkroom I interpret what that impression means to me.

Tom Lee - photographer

For a gallery appointment please call (405) 447-1210
or email Tom Lee

Tom Lee is a fine art photographer. Traditional black and white silver-based film and paper are his medium of choice.  For over twenty-five years Tom has enjoyed working with a manual camera and a simple darkroom.

Tom’s art can be found in many public and private collections through out the United States.  He has won numerous awards at regional and national competitions.

The Paseo Arts District in Oklahoma City was Tom’s artistic home from 1990 to 2007.  His photography gallery was located in a 150 year old Anglican church that he moved down from NE Canada. For twelve years, Tom served a president of the Paseo Artist Association. In October 2009, Tom was honored by Governor Brad Henry at the 34th Annual Governor’s Arts Awards. He received a Community Service Award which recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the arts in specific Oklahoma communities in the areas of leadership and volunteerism.

In 2008 Tom published his first photography book, “History Repeats".  He was recently inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame of Oklahoma City Community Collage.

Tom and his wife, Mary Katherine, live in an Old Catholic church (the Chouse) that they share with their many cat and dogs. His current studio and darkroom is the rectory behind the old church.

Photos of Tom

 
Composing photos
What do you look for in the process of composing a photograph?

I look for the following five things when I compose a photograph:

  • A Center of Interest-what is the main subject?
  • Rule of Thirds-place the main subject off center one third of the distance from the edge of the frame.
  • Leading Lines-visual elements which draw one’s eyes to the main subject.
  • Foreground Information-something that will add scale to the subject or which will help frame it.
  • Repeating Shapes-objects with a similar shape to the main subject.

Not every photo will have all five elements of composition, but the mental check list helps me think about how the photograph is put together.
Why do you choose the medium of black and white photography?
   I see better in black and white.  Before I make an exposure I can visualize what the image will look like in black and white.  Without the clutter of color you focus on shape, texture and shadows.