About the artist

Bio - Peter Dooley

Peter is an African Landscape photographer specialising in fine art black and white.

Born in 1958, he grew up in his family home, set in a large tranquil garden, a special place where butterflies, birds, bees, and children have co-existed right up to today.

A professional landscape photographer in South Africa, he specializes in black and white photography, taught by his father, an accomplished photographer.

Peter's mother, a Professor of Ikenobo, instilled in him a profound understanding of composition rooted in the philosophy of Ikenobo. This philosophy, emphasizing simplicity, elegance, and reverence for nature, profoundly influences Peter's work.

Their teachings inspired him to create elegant, immersive artworks that are harmonious and inspiring in their simplicity.

In 2002, Peter's digital image of a honey bee on an orange Japanese Cosmos flower graced the cover of a top South African magazine.

Despite early accolades for nature art photography, he later prioritized commercial work for financial reasons, though it never truly fed his soul.

Peter has now fully returned to his roots, focusing on nature in his photography and offering all works as Limited Edition fine art prints.

Peter was recently invited to join an international panel judging the prestigious 'Africa Photographic Awards' showcasing African photography.

Artist Statement

I see my work as a tribute to the natural world, an examination of the conspicuous, the beautiful, and the imperfect.

My goal is to create unique art mainly featuring unusual and hard to reach places.

In the field, I seize the moment, using nature's light and shadows to uncover thoughts and spark curiosity in the world, bypassing the need for a perfect sky or sunset to capture and share what's before me, inspiring visual imagination.

Instead of cautiously navigating and pondering objects, I concentrate on their essence. This approach helps me deeply engage with nature. In photography, I consider how positioning can immerse viewers in the scene.

Through my art, I prompt viewers to reflect on their impact on environmental sustainability, emphasizing the interconnectedness of everyday actions and their consequences. I aim to depict values that align with urban life experiences.

I aim to challenge the fragmented mindset and culture of sustainability complacency by highlighting the disconnect between humanity and an idealized vision of pristine natural environments.

I use black and white to enhance timeless authenticity, emphasizing deep tones and specular highlights central to my work. Rich blacks capture the intense emotions that drew me to the space.

I respect my client's personal interpretation of the art on their walls, as it should ultimately tell their own story.

Peter Dooley

"Peter is a master in the art of landscape photography."

"Through his commanding use of black and white, Peter leads the viewer on an emotional journey through Southern Africa's majestic landscapes. His technical knowledge and skill push creative boundaries in the field and his love for his work is evident in every piece he produces.

We were privileged to view Peter's exhibition in person. The print we purchased for our collection is so beautiful and visually arresting that every visitor to our home stops in front of it to take it in. They fall as much in love with it as we did when we first saw it.

His unique blend of classic and contemporary provide new perspective into the Southern African wild; whether it be a dramatic storm gathering above ancient baobabs, a powerful yet sensitive portrait of the critically endangered quiver tree or rippled clouds mirroring where desert meets coast. It was a wonderful experience acquiring the artwork from Peter, who is incredibly generous with both his time and knowledge."

"Peter, I am always impressed by how crisp and clean your landscapes are."

"Your images are calming, thought provoking and serene.

You seem to have an uncanny ability to look through the haze and trauma afflicting the world to a more pristine view of what an unspoiled environment looks like, a view humanity has forgotten about or maybe never experienced.

You're an ambassador for environmental change in the face of our climate crisis.

Thank you for sharing these thought provoking views of the world that really gets the viewers attention and hopefully will lead to a sustainable change, before it's too late."

"Peter Dooley's Mastery of Black and White Landscape Photography"

"In a world teeming with vibrant colours, Peter Dooley stands as a master of capturing the ethereal beauty of landscapes through the lens of black and white photography.

With a keen eye for composition and a deep understanding of light and shadows, Peter transports viewers into a realm where monochrome becomes a gateway to a heightened sense of emotion and tranquillity.

Peter's photographs possess a remarkable ability to evoke a sense of timelessness, allowing viewers to see the natural world through a different lens. His choice to work exclusively in black and white strips away the distractions of colour, focusing attention solely on the raw elements of nature. Peter's artistry shines within this minimalist palette.

Composition plays a pivotal role in Peter's work. Each frame is meticulously crafted, showcasing a careful balance of elements and an impeccable sense of scale. From sweeping vistas to intimate details, Peter's photographs guide the viewer's gaze with precision. There is a harmonious interplay between light and dark, as shadows dance across the landscap.es, emphasizing the textures and contours of the natural world.

One striking aspect of Peter's black and white landscapes is his masterful control over tonal range. The grayscale spectrum he employs is rich and nuanced, revealing remarkable depth in every image. From the stark contrast of a rugged mountain peak against a brooding sky to the subtle gradations of mist cascading through magical African plains, Peter's photographs captivate the eye and invite contemplation.

Beyond technical prowess, Peter's photographs possess an undeniable emotional resonance. Each frame exudes a mood—a quiet stillness, a sense of awe, or a contemplative melancholy. It is through the absence of colour that he draws out the emotional essence of the landscapes, allowing viewers to connect on a deeper level. One cannot help but feel a sense of reverence for the majesty and grandeur of nature as portrayed through Peter's lens.

Peter Dooley's mastery of black and white landscape photography is an artistic feat that transcends the limitations of the medium. Through his meticulous composition, expert handling of tonal range, and profound emotional resonance, Peter transports viewers into a realm where nature's beauty is distilled into its purest form. With each photograph, he captures not only the visual splendour but also the intangible spirit that resides within the landscapes.

Peter Dooley's black and white landscapes are a testament to the enduring power of monochrome photography and a testament to his exceptional talent as a photographer"

Tammy Marshall, Art of Print Gallery,

South Africa