PETER BUXTON
PHOTOGRAPHER
"Capturing Moments Through Time: Black-and-White Elegance and Vivid Color in Street, Landscape, and Portrait Photography"
Artist Statement
My first photographs were taken on the family Brownie Bullseye when I was about 11 or 12 years old. My parents lent it to me and I used to take pictures of my dog, my backyard, and vacations. Little did I know that I was using medium format film and I was embarking on a lifelong passion.
At UBC I learned rudimentary developing and darkroom skills. I still have many binders full of negative strips and contact sheets from those days. I prefer to work with black and white images but I also produce monochromatic and occasional vibrant colour photographs. I use many different cameras including a medium format Minolta that is more than 65 years old. My subject matter is street, landscape and studio portraiture. My influencers include Henri Cartier-Bresson, Dorothea Lange, Ansel Adams, Annie Leibovitz and Chase Jarvis among others.
“The best camera is the one that’s with you.” - Chase Jarvis
Artistic Style:
The artist's work can be described as "Timeless Visual Narratives". This style reflects a deep appreciation for the classic techniques of black-and-white photography while embracing the occasional burst of vibrant color. Rooted in the traditional practices of developing and darkroom work, his photography combines the meticulous detail of medium format film with a modern sensibility. Each image is a carefully crafted narrative, whether exploring the textures of street scenes, the expansiveness of landscapes, or the intimacy of studio portraiture. Influenced by iconic photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Ansel Adams, his work captures both the enduring essence of his subjects and the ephemeral beauty of the moment. Embracing the philosophy that “The best camera is the one that’s with you,” his portfolio showcases the power of simplicity and presence in creating compelling visual stories.
