Portfolio Statement-The Salton Sea forms the backdrop for one of the West's epic stories. Grand visions, engineering projects, contentious water rights battles, together with aggressive real estate development and land speculation all played a part in this areas colorful past. It is the old story of a fragile desert ecosystem forever altered by the hand of man.

Today, the Salton Sea is home to a large wild bird and marine fish population, but with toxic agricultural run off and no water outflow, it has become increasingly saline. In many cases, the dreams and memories of the past are left in decay. From a distance, under moonlight, the marine landscape is a fascinating sight with an eerie glow. Up close, the water is dank and today the beaches are littered with the discards of a throw away society. The combination of intrinsic natural beauty and intervention by man coexist in stark contrast. It is a reminder of man's injustice to land. Gary W. Vann

Portfolio Statement-Seascapes at night are a visual exploration of time. Despite the patterned rumble of surf, long exposures emphasize solitude and peace. The beaches are swept of human traces suggesting a prehistoric quality to the land and the horizon is endless. Time and space appear immutable. Working at night, shadows are abundant, while light is precious. Without light there is no image,yet without darkness there is no interest. Under the right circumstances, contrasts between opposites provide striking visual effects. The sky and background elements are soft and moody. The light is haunting and the shapes primeval. This is a special world for me. I hope you enjoy these images. Gary W. Vann

Portfolio Statement-The general storyline of this portfolio deals with interactions of man in the urban world. The side streets of the city at night are full of shadows, which simplify our visual perception, while generating diversions of the mind. Contrasting dualities exist between stark reality and mystery. The human element at night is often a shadow, within the shadows of the city stimulating secondary thoughts. Photography at night tends to isolate and simplify forms, while the lights of the city cast divergent shadows, making ordinary structures all the more intriguing. In profound silence, the urban world is presented much like a stage set, appropriately recorded in black and white. I hope you enjoy these images. Gary W. Vann