Willamette River, Portland, Oregon
 
This panorama is one in a series I have created that uses computer composites to create high definition images. It is the equivalent of 250 megapixels, derived from 36 individual frames taken with a Canon 5D with a Zeiss 85mm Distagon. The panorama on the WorkingTheory home page is a a similar composite.../workingtheory/Working%20Theory%20Home.htmlshapeimage_3_link_0
Welcome to what will eventually be the portal to the photography section of my website. Photography is both a profession and avocation and has been since I started as a teenager in the 1960s working in a photo-lab as a driver and janitor. This led to an education at the Rochester Institute of Technology and a wild and mixed career over the last three decades. For my current “Day Job”, I handle the creative post-processing at a great studio here in Portland that handles some high quality accounts such as Nike and Coke. Since this website is non-commercial and personal, just follow the link to the Swanson Studio website to see the source of funding for my lifestyle of boatbuilding, dog raising, and personal photography. http://www.swansonstudio.usshapeimage_5_link_0
High Definition Panoramas Portraits This is a sample of from a series of portraits of people that intersect with my life and interests, mostly visual artists and writers. These are intended to be in stark contrast to the highly commercial and stylized images that come out of my day job. My intent is documenting people in a way that can only be produced as the result of a relationship and not just the superficial captures that end up in the mass media. Working Theory started as a business publishing photogravure editions for fine art photographers and museums. I have prints in hundreds of private collections and several museums, including the prestigious George Eastman House in Rochester, New York. That being said, it was time let that go and pursue other profitable ventures. Burnout and poverty really put a damper on creativity and lifestyle. Within the next few months (early 2008) I should have this site fleshed out with the range of personal work that keeps my juices flowing. So as a small sampler, some examples are shown below.