The Emerald Art Center presents a photographic exhibition 

“Whispers of Nature”  by Franka M. Gabler.

For many years the photographer, Franka M. Gabler has been drawing inspiration from subtle, moody, often intimate landscapes. Her compositions are somewhere between detail or abstract, and the wider view, beyond mere documentation of a particular location. Such compositions allow her to isolate unique scenes that speak to her, from otherwise well-known places.
When in nature, Franka follows her intuition to see what entices her and draws her attention, hoping to recognize a simple story to capture the essence of the place.  She’s inherently drawn to smaller, more intimate scenes that capture the spirit of a place, particularly to quiet and moody scenes. Snow, mist, fog, and even haze are her favorite conditions to photograph since they add a little extra to the composition - a bit of atmosphere and mood. To her, the composition is more than just a choice of subject and distribution of key elements of the scene. It also includes exposure decisions, and choice of light, color, contrast, and weather – all these elements are particularly helpful in depicting mood and capturing the essence.  
The exhibit “Whispers of Nature” includes photographs of smaller, evocative scenes from California – primarily Yosemite and Eastern Sierra - the places she knows well and with which she has developed an emotional connection.  Sometimes it’s about capturing subtle light, colors, and contrast. Other times it’s about capturing her experience in nature when making the images: the softness and silence of the falling snow, or a quiet time in a forest, observing nature that is preparing for rest.
Franka will be giving a presentation “Conveying Mood and Emotion” on November 9, 2024, at 1 pm at the Emerald Arty Center, Springfield, OR. The event is open to the public.

Award-winning photographer and scientist, Franka M. Gabler, developed a fascination, admiration, and respect for nature early in her lifetime. Franka strives to convey mood and capture the essence of the scenes she photographs. Her photographs are ethereal and often evoke sentimental feelings.
Franka’s photographs have been recognized internationally. In 2022 she was the overall winner of the Landscape Photography World Awards. In 2021 she received the 2021 First Place award for the ‘Intimate and Abstract category of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards, and in 2023 she was recognized as a Highly Commended Photographer of the Year. Her photographs have been published in several books and publications. Her black & white portfolio “Expressive Yosemite” is published in Issue No. 159 of the LensWork Photography Magazine.  Her work has been featured in numerous exhibits and is represented in private collections throughout the United States and abroad.  She’s a photography instructor for Out of Chicago Photography Conferences.
Franka lives in the Sierra foothills, in the small mountain town of Coarsegold, not far from Yosemite National Park. You can learn more about her work at: www.frankagabler.com.