Biography - Christopher Holmes

Born in England, Christopher enjoyed a lengthy career as a Supreme Court Litigation Solicitor and a Law Professor at London University. In 2000 Christopher bought a climbing company in Nepal and made a life changing decision to become a full time international traveler and landscape photographer. Since then he has traveled extensively in South and North America, Australasia and Europe, specializing in his signature black and white panoramic photographs. He also undertakes commissions in colour and other formats.

Christopher settled in Vancouver in March 2007 and has since then photographed the city, the Gulf Islands and Western Alberta; he has just finished a major exhibition of his work at the Vancouver based Canvas Gallery. Many of these images have been purchased by private and corporate collections and will be seen in galleries as new art exhibits commence - check Christopher's blog for up to date information.

Christopher continues working in Canada to increase the "Expanse Imagery Collection" and is applying for his Hassleblad Masters Accreditation.

Artist's Statement - EXPANSE COLLECTION

Western Canada, especially British Columbia, an area of outstanding natural beauty at the meeting point of the Canadian Rockies, the Prairie Badlands and the Pacific Ocean. A location maximizing opportunities for the panoramic photographic work I specialize in, namely:

  • Native and Western traditions
  • The topography and geography of the Pacific Ocean and the Rockies
  • The dramatic contrasts in the light
  • The people

To portray the beauty of the region I work in large scale; the objective is to produce exciting, unusual views of landscapes, cityscapes, and people in their environment.

The human eye can only "see" to a certain angle and degree. I strive to bring in the detail of the "expanses" on the periphery of vision by forming my subjective view into the photograph. When composing a panoramic image I like to combine all three elements of that particular image - its history, the present moment and the future of the subject.

Panoramically enhancing the inherent beauty and drama of a scene encourages the viewer to experience the wider perspective.