Personal Background: Alex Noriega, a contemporary landscape photographer, hails from the Pacific Northwest, where he draws inspiration from the rugged coastlines and lush forests of the region. Born in the 1980s, Noriega grew up in an era defined by technological advancements, which he seamlessly integrates into his photographic process. He pursued a degree in environmental science, deepening his understanding of the natural world and informing his artistic perspective. In the early 2000s, Noriega embarked on a series of solo expeditions, capturing the raw beauty of remote landscapes with his camera lens. Today, his evocative imagery serves as a testament to the enduring power and majesty of nature in the modern age.
Style: Alex Noriega's photography is characterized by its rich, vibrant colors and masterful use of light and shadow, which imbue his landscapes with a sense of depth and atmosphere. His compositions often feature sweeping vistas and dynamic natural elements, creating a sense of grandeur and majesty reminiscent of the Romantic landscape paintings of the 19th century. Like the Hudson River School artists, Noriega's work captures the sublime beauty of nature, evoking an emotional response from the viewer. Additionally, his attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship lend a sense of timelessness to his photographs, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the scene and experience its transcendent qualities. Overall, Noriega's visual style can be likened to a contemporary interpretation of the Romantic landscape tradition, blending realism with a touch of poetic interpretation.
Philosophy: Alex Noriega's work is deeply rooted in a profound appreciation for the natural world, with a focus on capturing the serene beauty and raw power of landscapes. His photographs often convey a sense of awe and reverence for the environment, serving as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our planet. While Noriega's images are primarily personal expressions of his own connection to nature, they also carry a subtle yet powerful environmental message, urging viewers to reflect on their relationship with the Earth. Through his lens, he seeks to inspire others to appreciate the intricate beauty of the world around them and to foster a sense of stewardship for future generations. Overall, Noriega's work can be seen as a visual meditation on the intrinsic value of nature and the profound impact it has on our lives.
Influence: Noriega began his journey in the world of photography in 2010 while working in information and technology. When he purchased a camera to take better pictures of spare computer parts he was selling, immediately fascinated by the process. He aims to spark viewers imagination as he prefers to focus on more subtle, intimate scenes with less context. Noriega's unique journey into photography from the realm of information technology reflects his ability to find beauty and inspiration in unexpected places. By choosing to focus on subtle and intimate scenes, he invites viewers to see the world through a new lens, encouraging them to discover beauty in the ordinary and to appreciate the intricacies of the natural world.
Important Dates
Born on 11/7/1986 He began his photography career in 2010 He was the 2016 International Landscape Photographer of the Year, 2016 USA Landscape Photographer of the Year and 2016 Pano Awards Photographer of the Year. Today, Photography Masterclass Magazine, Scholastic and numerous others.
Alex Noriega
Compare & Contrast
Tapestry(Noriega)
Dias Nublados
For this photo I was influenced a lot by the type of landscape, i liked the hills that showed the depth of the view. I was at a angle in which I was overlooking this beautiful view and could see beyond. In the raw photo the pictures colors didn't pop out as much, and Alex's work really focuses on like specific things that pop out to the viewers eye so I edited it to make those colors really pop out. This photo was really fun to make, I was lucky enough to find something similar to the work of Noriega while I was on trip.
Whitewood(Noriega)
Madera Blanca
These image was a little hard to make as the idea came to me when everything was covered in snow and not really fog like the one in Noriega's work. I did find similar trees that stood up tall and what I was able to do is edit it so the pictures whites stood out a little more, with the help of the snow I was able to create something really similar. I liked the way it came out although its not a complete reflection of Noriega's work, it shares its important aspects.
Spirit of the Merced(Noriega)
Tree of Life
Out of the three Images this one definitely took up the most time trying to get a similar out come. The original displays these waters that give the ghostly effect hence the name Spirit of the Merced, i couldn't get the fog to happen in my version of the photo but I did manage to adapt. The reason there are two photos is because one has a filter of an oil painting giving that wave affect, as all my photos were taken off my phone it wasn't the easiest of tries to get the wave affect. I liked the way it came out even though it was indoor and a setup I made you probably wouldn't be able to tell because of the blacked out background.
Artist Statement These pictures were really fun to make from actually taking the photos to the editing portion. It was hard choosing which photos to recreate as Noriega's work is very unique and very interesting. The first photo (dias nublados) represents the beauty of nature not only that but even when things might not be going to well there is always light at the end of the tunnel. All my photos attempt to showcase the beauty's of nature as they all try to focus on specific aspects of the nature.