Photographer William Gillis captures the exquisite beauty of the natural world through his landscape and macro images. View more of his work by visiting his website.
![photograph of Marine on St. Croix by William Gillis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Marine-on-St-Croix-2.jpg)
“Marine on St Croix” landscape, digital photography, various sizes
My career in photography began at an early age with a Kodak box camera. When I submitted the rolls of film for developing at my dad’s drugstore, the results were rather discouraging since 95% of the images were as dark as the night sky.
![photograph of a church on a hill by William Gillis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Church-On-the-Hill.jpg)
“Church on the Hill” landscape, digital photography, various sizes
Since I lived in a very small town where there was very little light pollution at night, I could lay out on the “back 40” and observe the night sky, which was as dark as my photography! As a result, I was not inspired to progress as a photographer until the digital age was upon us.
![photograph of Grand Portage falls by William Gillis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Grand-Portage-3.jpg)
“Grand Portage” landscape, digital photography, various sizes
I began using a Canon Sure Shot about fifteen years ago. My wife must have seen some promise in my picture taking. She suggested I take up photography as a hobby. As usual, I pooh-poohed the idea for awhile. Eventually I took her up on it and went to a camera store to purchase a tripod for the Canon.
![photograph of birch trees by William Gillis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/YellowOnWhite-2.jpg)
“Yellow on White” landscape, digital photography, various sizes
Needless to say, I came home with a Sony DSLR, a tripod and a bag to carry all of this equipment. I was fired up to set the photography world on fire.
![photograph of a swamp by William Gillis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Swamp-Fog.jpg)
“Swamp Fog” landscape, digital photography, various sizes
After shooting images for a few years, a number of people asked me why I was not selling my photos. I checked out a number of art shows and with some trepidation decided to try my luck. I exhibited at art shows for five years, gained a lot of experience and actually found success selling my work.
![landscape photography of a river by William Gillis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Baptisim-River-Moose-Country-copy.jpg)
“Baptism River, Moose Country” landscape, digital photography, various sizes
I am a self-taught photographer and am influenced by Jim Brandenburg, macro photographer Mike Moats and HDR photographer Trey Ratcliff. I developed my own techniques primarily by experimenting with what I thought the image should look like as I experienced the moment.
![abstract photograph of a waterfall by William Gillis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Waterfallabstract.jpg)
“Waterfall” abstract HDR digital photography, various sizes
Simply put, digital cameras have multiple settings on either side of 0, with 0 being the center. The left side settings make the image darker and the right side of 0 make the image brighter. I shoot the same image from up to 8 settings below 0, include 0 and up to 8 settings above 0. This gives me the entire light range available for the image I am about to create.
![abstract photograph of a tree in winter by William Gillis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Winter-Tree.jpg)
“Winter Tree” landscape, digital photography, various sizes
I then adjust the color, detail, and contrast, and sharpen the image for the effect I want. All of this can be overdone, so the trick is to find what works best.
![photograph of Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota by William Gillis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/StoneArchBridge-Minneapolis.jpg)
“Stone Arch Bridge, Minneapolis” cityscape, digital photography, various sizes
The images shown are HDR imaging. I am a nature photographer specializing in Minnesota’s North Shore along Lake Superior and whatever else comes along that piques my interest.
![photograph of a dandelion puff by William Gillis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Puff.jpg)
“Puff” macro, digital photography, various sizes
Macro subjects are my favorite, as most people completely miss the tiny treasures around them and their uniqueness. In addition to macro, I photograph landscapes, flora and interesting trees.
Artist William Gillis invites you to follow him on Facebook.
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