The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE — Before the days of digital cameras and cell phones, photographers controlled the amount of light with which an image was taken by opening and closing the lens (or aperture) of the camera.
This was referred to as an F-stop.
“What F-stop did you use?” was a frequently asked question between those in the know, as it helped them understand how a particular image was achieved.
Jeff Bartley has worked this bit of language into a clever title for the first portion of a new exhibit at the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, which opened Tuesday, Feb. 26.
Bartley came to the Alleghany Highlands in 1976 when he and his wife began teaching at Alleghany County High School. His photography career started in 1979 when he purchased his first 35mm camera and began to learn how to photograph by studying the photos of the people who were being published in National Geographic, Smithsonian, Outdoor Photographer and other magazines.
Bartley also read as much as he could about photography and took advantage of every opportunity to put into practice what he had learned, creating a wide range of images of the Alleghany Highlands and the Shenandoah Valley.
Eventually he was asked to photograph for the yearbook at the high school, which gave him the opportunity to work in a black and white darkroom. As he was seen at the various events around the school, students began to ask him to do their senior portraits, and eventually, their weddings. In 1996, he opened Jeff Bartley Photography.
While at the high school, Bartley helped sponsor the photography club and helped with the design of the yearbook.
Outside of the school day, Jeff was a member of the Camera Club of the Alleghany Highlands and the Alleghany Camera Club, both of which have unfortunately folded.
Bartley is currently a member of the Rockbridge Camera Club, Roanoke Area Advanced Photographic Arts group and the Staunton Digital Photography Group.
Aside from senior portraits and weddings, Jeff has photographed for local organizations in both Alleghany and Pocahontas counties, and traveled to Pennsylvania to photograph for the National Park Service at Friendship Hill National Historic Site.
After teaching for 38 years, both he and his wife retired, which gives him more time for traveling, and to develop a portfolio of scenic, wildlife, wildflower, and travel images.
He can now travel during the work week, especially in the spring and autumn, avoiding the crowds that flock to the mountains to view the wildflowers and the fall foliage.
He and his wife have visited many of the state parks in Virginia and West Virginia, but his greatest photographic adventures have been while traveling and photographing America’s national parks and monuments.
Anyone who has ever traveled with a camera or a photographer will recognize the cry “Stop the car, that’s a great shot!”
Bartley laughingly acknowledges his family’s familiarity with the call — and that he has often heard his friends remark” There must be something over there to see — Jeff’s laying down in the grass with is camera again!”
Indeed, many of the shots in Filtered Flowers were obviously taken near ground level, for as he says, “Flowers are either really tall or down close to the dirt.”
The images in this portion of the exhibit reflect an intimate acquaintance with everything from petunias to lady slippers.
He initially began the series as a gift for his mother, who loved flowers. As he expanded those first pictures, he began matching the literary quotes to the images and playing with the titles as well.
Whether it’s a quote from The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy or a Greek term for water nymphs, Bartley has played with the combination of works and images as well as his camera and filters. Together they offer viewers lots of ways to enjoy his garden of filtered flowers “garden” on many levels.
Please join us for a reception Saturday, March 9, from 2-4 p.m. to talk with Jeff Bartley, and enjoy his work.
“The F Stops Here” and “Filtered Flowers” will remain on view through Friday April 19.
Admission is free. Guests are asked to please sign the register.
The Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center is supported by its members, contributors, the town of Clifton Forge, city of Covington, Alleghany County, The Alleghany Foundation, and the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
