Discovering the hidden wonder in the obvious is one of Sam Kolber’s primary motivations for taking photographs and prompts many observers to ask him “How did you see that?”
“I don’t necessarily choose subjects that are different from what other photographers find interesting,” says Sam. “I just try to capture the scene from a perspective that might be less obvious so that details you might not otherwise notice are revealed.”
One of the ways he accomplishes this task is to patiently await the fleeting moments when the light reveals nature’s subtle colours. “Some of my favorite photos were taken using 35 mm slide film. It has such great colour saturation.”
At once amiable and confident, Sam is also somewhat shy, a combination that encourages him to be the observer in crowds or new environments. These qualities combined with his unique ability to focus on the tree rather than the forest makes his work compelling and memorable. Popular subjects for him include landscapes, portraits and nature.
Sam's landscape portfolio includes many studies of central Ontario where he has both a home in Toronto and a retreat near Collingwood. “I love shooting in Canada,” he remarks. “The four seasons lead to so much variety and literally quadruple your available subjects.”
Although Canada figures prominently in his portfolio, favorite travel destinations such as Cuba and Ecuador are well-developed subjects in his repertoire, too. Rather than choose obvious portrait subjects such as family and friends, his portraiture is most often the product of his travels to other cultures. His calm and winning way with people coaxes strangers to be at ease in front of his camera and to reveal aspects of their lives that make his portraits engaging and worthy of an extended gaze.
His nature photography is successful and worthy of praise when his lens captures the big picture, but the depth of his unique artistry is revealed when he focuses on the details in nature. From droplets on an autumn-kissed leaf to a rugged pile of stones in icy Georgian Bay, his nature photography goes beyond pretty to approach painterly.
Sam has been the subject of several one-man shows and has been honoured to be included in publications such as the award winning Lorraine Monk book, Canada: These Things We Hold Dear.
Sam's work is available for sale and display. For more information, please click on the link below to contact him.
