Trekking Peru in 2015
The Inca road system was the most extensive and advanced transportation system in pre-Columbian South America. The best known portion is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We journeyed through varied terrain both challenging, awe-inspiring and literally breathtaking as we climbed altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet. As we descended down the trail, the sights only became more enhanced by spectacular topography, lush vegetation, and intriguing archaeological areas.
Infrared, or ‘IR’ photography, offers photographers a method to explore a new world because our eyes literally cannot see IR light, as it lies just beyond what is classified as the ‘visible’ spectrum – that which human eyesight can detect. When we take photographs using infrared-equipped cameras, we are exposed to the world that can often look very different from that we are accustomed to seeing. Colors, textures, leaves and plants, human skin, and all other manner of objects can reflect IR light in unique and interesting ways. My camera was converted to record ‘near infrared’ light just beyond the range that humans can detect with their eyesight. This light range is between 700 – 1200 nanometers. Reflected IR light produces a fascinating array of surreal effects. Vegetation appears white or near white as they reflect IR. Water and sky take on a much more dramatic dark appearance as they absorb IR. Since just one wave length of light is recorded, most images will appear sharper than full spectrum images. All of my infrared images were converted monochrome B&W.
Skip Montello is a photographer working and living in Rockport Massachusetts. He is an exhibiting member of the Rocky Neck Art Colony, Rocky Neck Gallery, Rockport Art Association, Newburyport Art Association and the Griffin Museum of Photography. His passion for photography developed during his career at the Polaroid Corporation, where he spent more than 30 years as a photographic scientist, engineer and technology leader.
Over the years he has moved from film based media to digital. He has a deep love for the area in which he lives and is constantly inspired by the ocean. When not photographing, he is a sport fishing charter captain, sailing instructor and outdoor writer. He also arranges the programs for Fish On! Andover, which is going into its 18th year.
Skip’s photography is frequently displayed in many juried exhibits around the country. His photography has earned numerous awards at the art associations in Rockport and Newburyport and the worldwide Nikon Small Wonders Competition. He has exhibited in several solo exhibits including art associations and public libraries. His work is held in private collections in the USA and Europe. Skip is a graduate of Northeastern University, Engineering and Science and a US Navy Submarine Veteran.