Old friend and ski partner Chic Scott writes of Neil Jolly
Neil Jolly has been taking photographs most of his life, but it is only during the last ten years that he has taken his art more seriously. Growing up in (Medicine Hat then Vermilion) he was introduced to photography by his father at about age eight. He captured his first images with a Yashica 35 mm SLR and learned to develop his black and white images in his father’s darkroom.
For a number of years he drifted away from photography. Not having a darkroom of his own, he was unable to control a very critical phase of the photographic process. But when he discovered digital, the possibilities opened up again and thanks to his extensive computer skills he had complete control over his own image, processing, and printing.
Although he initially photographed primarily mountain settings, his work today encompasses prairie landscapes, as well, which have their own unique magic and charm. Neil favors simple compositions, shot in early morning, late afternoon or evening light. He prefers large-scale natural compositions but occasionally old houses and barns that are being reclaimed by nature, catch his interest as well.
Neil’s major photographic influences include Ansel Adams, Galen Rowell, Art Wolfe and the many incredible photographers on photo.net. Neil remembers, “For much of my life I raced through incredible landscapes on my way to achieving personal goals, rarely stopping to enjoy the view.” Now he is dedicated to the photographic art because “it forces me to stop and take in the magnificent scenery that surrounds me.”
Bio Data
Neil Jolly was born in Edmonton, Alberta. His maternal grandparents were pioneers who emigrated to the Grand Prairie region via oxen cart along the Edson Trail. Neil and his wife Kim have one daughter Michelle. For many years Neil was a dedicated alpinist, skiing, climbing and hiking in all seasons and all weather throughout the Rocky Mountains. He is a licensed automotive technician and more recently ran his own information technology company for seven years. In his spare time Neil enjoys music, literature and travel.
Prints can now be purchased from Foothills Photographics Online. Prints are available on a variety of printed media including Canvas, Aluminum, and a multitude of quality papers. Prints on Aluminum prints possess an amazing luminous quality, with superb detail. A must see!
