December 2005 Exhibition- My photos Koala's Bare and Slip Sliding Away go on exhibit in the Freestyle 2-d exhibit at Energy Gallery located in Toronto Canada. Please click on the date to share more of the exhibition, a new window will open.
April 2006 Exhibition - Four
photos from my series Flint and Steel titled "Mother Earth", "Feel the Power", "Broken Shell", and "In the Dreamtime" are on exhibit in the Freestyle 2-d exhibit at Energy Gallery located in Toronto Canada. Please click on the date to share more of the exhibition, a new window will open.
August 1, 2006 - The photos "The Link", "Attack" and "The Ants Came Marching Two by Two" from my series "The Primordial Bush" on exhibit at Energy Gallery located in Toronto Canada.
My photography is regularly exhibited on the premier artistic nude photography website Michelle 7. To visit these exhibitions click on the series title, a new window will open.
When you work with many artists and photographers often you find yourself immersed in sharing techniques or ideas as creative minds combine. Whenever the subject of nude or black and white photography comes up I can only refer my colleges to one place; Gerhardt Thompson. Never have I seen such art depicting the human body aligned with landscape done with such excellence. Mr. Thompson’s use of light and shadow in a natural environment is as if he placed the sun, moon, and stars in perfect alignment and harmony to create true art. There are many photographic rules that anyone can apply to take a technically perfect image. However, it is a rare gift when you find an artist such as Gerhardt that can use his technical expertise and combine it with his vision or imagination to successfully portray it through his lens. It is my honor to view Gerhardt’s work." Linda Shier, Linda Shier Photography, California, USA.
As a professional photographer and fine art hobbyist of 10 years, I can say without hesitation that Gerhardt embodies the heart and soul of what all photographers strive for: Excellence in every aspect. His vision is clearly portrayed in every composition. There is never a doubt as to the philosophical or emotional statements made through his lens. His technical skill is unfaltering and unquestionable. Gerhardt makes use of his subjects and locations in such a way as to make even the mundane become an awe-inspiring work of art. A modern master of the black and white photograph, Gerhardt has done and continues to do what many have failed at: Successfully combining the black and white landscape photograph with the fine art nude. He has done so with such success that he has claimed prize after prize for his work as well as accolades and much deserved respect from fellow photographers around the world. I am sure that with a perusal of his fantastic portfolio you will plainly see all that I have described for yourself, and I urge you to do so. Please feel free to contact me should my opinions be of any use. Jim Presley, Jr., Kenai Photography, USA.
For me, Gerhardt is one of the greatest nude photographers I know, if not THE greatest. His studio is on the street, the light he uses is the natural one as well as the scenery and the models are beautiful and always very well chosen. He can join in a superb way, an enormous sense of aesthetic with a very accurate technique with the exposure control. The way he plays with models, surrounding elements and light is unique and superb and his photos are works of Art. He can be named as the best "Nude Street Photographer", indeed. I just want to add that I am not an admirer of the traditional nude photography on "closed" studio with all those "not natural" lights and "not natural" sceneries. With Gerhardt photos I began to love the Nude photography. Rui Palha, Portugal.
Veličastne človeške oblike telesa so desetletja privlačile umetnika, da so jih proučevali. Uporabljali so najrazličnejše stile in vsak je hotel dodati nekaj svojega. Nenadoma je postalo jasno, da je vsa lepota odkrita. Le redki posamezniki kot Gerhardt Thompson so sposobni s svojimi naravnimi talenti in kreativnostjo dodati delček k celoti umetnosti. Gerhardt proučuje oblike človeškega telesa v kombinaciji z naravno podobo pokrajine. Izbira skrivnostne zapuščene kotičke, kjer ustvarja ko je svetloba najbolj magična. Izbira črno bele tehnike fotografije kot pripomoček izražanja še bolj veličastno prikazuje oblike človeškega telesa. Hvala Gerhardt! Lepota v vsakem pomenu!
(A magnificent human form was for centuries with respect studied by artists. Different styles were used, all artist wanted to contributed something of their own. It suddenly appears that all study and beauty was done. Only few modern artists like Gerhardt Thompson are capable with their natural sense and insignificant creativity to contribute a peace to the art. Gerhardt is studying the beauty of the human form in combination with natural landscapes. He is choosing mysterious abandoned places in the moment when the light is most magic. Choice of traditional black and white photography as art instrument inspires more magnificent view on the human form. Gerhardt thanks! A beauty in every sense)! Lovrenc Gasparin, Slovenia.
Gerhardt's fine art nude photography reflects his passion for nature and the feminine form, melding the two in such a unique way that it makes me lose myself in his sensual images. I'm always impressed with his use of nature's textures, blending natural light, mother nature and the sensuality of a woman's shape, angles, and softness. He has a uniqueness and creativeness apart from any other photographer in the way he poses his female models and blends them with nature with a savvy consideration of textures, lines, shadows, shapes, tonal shades and the energy these elements possess together. Every one of his works of art tells a story and has energy and life that brings me back to see what new creative surprises he has masterfully composed. His photos always involve me as the viewer, wandering through his visions and imagining the story that lies behind each one. Gerhardt has truly broadened my appreciation for the art of nude photography. Diane Schafer, Florida, USA.
To describe Gerhardt Thompson's multi faceted art in a few lines is a daunting task indeed. Gerhardt's studies are not merely a celebration of beauty of the female nude form but also a sweeping examination of the connection between that flowing beauty and our graceful but savage natural environment. Mankind’s position in that tenuous, symbiotic relationship is portrayed as dominating but threatened. Gerhardt's compositions are artistically pleasing yet arranged in such a way that we see his models fragile, liquid form reflected and complemented in the natural lines of rock and sea but simultaneously that fragility is contrasted with the harshness in the environment which surrounds it. His masterful use of light to emphasize these similarities, contrasts and conflicts is always strikingly evident. In many examples we see an unexpected strength in the pose, indicating the strength required to maintain our achieved position despite the overpowering nature of our world. Whether a study in light and delicacy, or an examination of darker aspects of our existence the common motif of the human form as the earth mother's ultimate creation always explodes forth in his dynamic work. Ernie Bolton, New South Wales, Australia.
Gerhardt Thompson has drawn a well defined line in the sand between the artistic nude and erotic, lewd or simply naked photography of prurient interest. That line is as deep and wide as the Grand Canyon. His philosophy and approach is akin to that of the old masters but with his own unique vision and mastery of the subject and media. Gerhardt is recognized as standing alone in his ability to showcase the form and beauty of the female anatomy in harmony with and as an integral part of the scenes and settings that he uses. Even though his subtle use of light and shadow and the contrast of the subject with the environment is always so well defined and powerful ... his style melds and blends all of the elements into one unified statement. Mr. Thompson also has the unique ability to create, capture and present each image in a way that although the intent is clearly defined ... leaves the door ajar just enough that the viewer becomes involved in the total experience or process through their own interpretation. I humbly submit that my work is known through some portion of the international photographic community but I am only beginning a journey of exploration where Gerhardt has reached the destination. If the man has any faults, they are probably the same as his strengths. He keeps searching for the "PERFECT PICTURE" without knowing that he has shown us that perfection time after time. Ergo T. DeZ, Arkansas, USA.
Gerhardt's talent exudes itself in his unique nude portraits. I have found this man's images to be of wonderful quality and tastefully done. His work is an inspiration to me as a photographer and I have learned to appreciate the art of nude photography through his eyes. His images portray design and creativity, telling a story each time. Your mind is allowed to perceive his intent easily. He is, no doubt, one of the most innovative photographers I have encountered Patricia Petryshyn, Canada.
In my time as an amateur photographer I have seen many portfolio's with artistic nude photography. Many photographers think they make beautiful artistic nudity, most of the time they are not original. Gerhardt is always original in every single photo! His style is very recognizable. He is one of the few photographers who can make very dynamic photos without a studio and with the available light. I am a personal fan of his work. Gerhardt knows in every photo to 'melt' his models with the environment. The poses always show you the exact situation. Besides that, he is somebody who attaches value to exposure. From extremely dark shadows to heavy highlight areas, they always have to show every single detail. Most important of it, Gerhardt knows under these conditions to keep the right contrast, that is really good! Most of the time, the faces of his models are not completely visible, that
makes it a bit mysterious. The photos leave questions behind. The most interesting part in my opinion is that he always knows to set up original compositions. The combination of poses and the choices of angles are part of that. All that together leaves me to say that a photo of Gerhardt is a story you have to read and finish before you can take your eyes of... 'all thumbs up!' Heinz portraits, Netherlands.
Mr. Gerhardt Thompson is one of the finest photographers whose specialty
is showing the beauty of the human body in context with the beauty of
nature. He is a highly professional man with great technical skills and
excellent taste. His photos are carefully designed and perfectly executed,
carrying high artistic value. He is the master of creating poses, which shows off the human physique, always tastefully. In his images he combines nature and nude to the advantage of both, complimenting each other. These fine art photographs are worthy of the highest awards.
Nabil Ezz, Hungary.
http://www.photopoints.com/main/gallery/viewgallery.aspx?id=1161
Professional Photographer
There are three things that in my opinion define Gerhardt’s photos and make them special: The special light that makes the skin of the models glow, the way the models look like sculptures in the nature, and the tones he is using. Altogether this creates an atmosphere in his pictures that is special and is his 'trademark'.
Tiro Leander, Norway. http://65.61.170.55/main/photos/showauthor.aspx?txtHiddenAuthorID=3396
Artist Photographer
I have been following Gerhardt’s work for some time. Every time I see a new photo from you him I am always taken by his ability to create that unique atmosphere in his photos and I am confident that he is one of the best Nude photographer on Photopoints. I think he is able to create a feeling and an atmosphere in a very stylish and clean way which falls completely to the design of our creator, so that the adaptation becomes total without making the photo too "soft, corny" or erotic. I would also like to give him top scores for quality and the work you do on the photos. You are also able to awake a new creation and new viewpoints in every photo I see. I never get tired of seeing your subjects. Your unique and sophisticated style is to my liking. I think more people should be able to enjoy it. Thosrsteinn Asgeirsson (Icerock), Iceland.
I've been following Gerhardt work for a few years. His work is admirable and not just myself but a bunch of photographers I know consider him a master. I've been learning from him since the first time I saw his photography. His capacity of directing models and his ability of mixing human forms with nature is unique! I've never, ever, seen any work closer to his. The lighting he gets outdoors just a few can get even in the studio. He is an artist and his photography, pure art! He is a very polite and unique human being, I consider him a friend and a great one. I have to thank him.
Paulo C. Gama, Brazil
http://www.pbase.com/pgama
Artist Photographer
Gerhardt Thompson uses light, tone and form very precisely to obtain results that surprise and engage the viewer, no matter how many of his works you have seen. His methods, whatever they are, seem to engender a sense of teamwork with his models. More than just bodies in his vision, they seem truly engaged with him in the creative process. He obtains the maximum drama and tension from their poses, and he combines that with an extreme awareness of the environment of his shot, mixing the two together in symbiotic ways. The results keep the viewer thinking, up on their intellectual toes to derive the sense and meaning that the photographer gave the shot. He encapsulates his vision in a very high quality technique. Every shot has a full tonal range and a sense of being exposed perfectly in every part of the image. Gerhardt's work is fine art, from concept to finished image, and he has pleased and intrigued this viewer over and over again. Carl Main, California, USA
I think your work is amazing. I find your trademark studies in black and white beautiful with fabulous tones. I think one of the things I enjoy so much about your work is the use of nature as your backdrop…your recent work of the beautiful sleek sea nymphs on the craggy rocks is especially beautiful. I find all of your work done in beautiful taste and with great love for what you do. Barb Frank, USA
It also goes with out saying that when a model meets an exeptional photographer, they also feel very fortunate. Thankyou so much for such a wonderful beginning of great friendships & many beautiful photos. You are a creative inspiration, one of the best. Lx
- Leticia (Model)
For a truly unique eye for composition and lighting, I recommend Gerhardt Photography without hesitation. Gerhardt's technical expertise and artistic imagination are a pleasure to work with and to behold.
- Joshua Seven (Model) Highley recommend this photographer.
Such a creative artist and friend.
His work is just trully amazing.
xoxo
- Jennie (Model)
