Oftentimes when we look at photographs we'll notice different things.
Some of us might focus on the subjects of the photographs, others on the little details. Longtime South Cariboo photographer Brian Thorsteinson looks for the pictures within his photographs and encourages patrons of Parkside Art Gallery to do the same this month as it hosts his new show, Nature's Optical Illusions and More.
"These untouched photographs will test your eyes and imaginations, leaving you in wonderment of nature's beauty," Thorsteinson said. "Many of these photographs could be compared to looking for characters in clouds but I use rock, wood, water, grasses, snow, ice, windows and more."
A massage therapist by trade, Thorsteinson grew up in the South Cariboo and has long been interested in photography. Just over two decades ago, he started taking his hobby more seriously buying himself a good-quality camera and going out regularly to take photos.
The result has been thousands of photographs of animals, Cariboo landscapes, plants, natural landmarks and people. Over the years Thorsteinson has also dabbled in taking abstract photographs and recently began photographing the light from sunrises and sunsets filtering through antique glassware. Hundreds of prints of these photos now line the walls of his home.
"Photography has become quite an obsession. I like getting out and about, it's a good excuse to not have to work around the house," Thorsteinson remarked. "It gets me out and about in this beautiful province. Weekends I jump in my little Toyota Corolla and drive around and find pictures."
Thorsteinson noted that he never edits his photographs with Photoshop to enhance them in any way. That means each picture he gets relies on a mixture of experience, a good eye, skill and a little luck.
Despite his vast collection of photographs, Thorsteinson has never done a show with them before. He explained he doesn't like putting himself out there but over the last several years clients and friends who have seen his collection have been encouraging him to put together a show.
This year Thorsteinson finally agreed and joined Parkside Art Gallery. He remarked he is honoured they gave him a full month to showcase his work, which he curated with input from several friends and family members.
"I'm nervous and excited. I'm not really a 'be in front of people' person, so it took some pushing (to do the show)," Thorsteinson said. "I'm very pleased with the opportunity (Parkside) is giving me."
For Nature's Optical Illusions and More Thorsteinson said he specifically chose photos with hidden characters that people have to look for. Each picture will have keywords of what Thorsteinson has seen within the picture, such as an owl in a piece of wood, a flying saucer in a piece of ice or faces in the snow. He's also eager to hear feedback from the public on what they see that he missed.
While his show will have up to 40 photos on display at a time, Thorsteinson said he has selected 60 for the show. He plans to rotate them every Saturday so people can see the full show.
"If you see it the first time it's going to be new the next Saturday and the next Saturday," Thorsteinson remarked. "I'm looking for reaction to the photographs to see if they measure up and see if people are seeing what I am seeing and what more they can see. It will be fun and educational for all ages."
Nature's Optical Illusions and More opens on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and runs until Oct. 15. Thorsteinson will be at the gallery to answer questions at the opening and invites the community to come check the show out.
"This show will test your eyes and imagination."
