Keith S. Walklet, Photographer

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KEITH WALKLET'S IMAGES

Chance brought Keith S. Walklet to Yosemite, but it was the magic of the changing seasons and interplay of light and rock that held his gaze for fourteen years, becoming the lens through which he viewed the rest of the world. His imagery, from surreal light on well-known landmarks to spacious scenes enveloped in stillness, reflect a deep admiration for and intimate understanding of the natural world and serve as visual reminders of the wonders at our doorstep.

A native of the East Coast and graduate of Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, Keith S. Walklet traded a daily commute (from Connecticut to New York City) and most of his belongings, for a camera and motorcycle, with which he explored the continental U.S. and Alaska. Arriving in Yosemite in 1984 "for one winter," he set about documenting its grand scenes and subtle beauty first with 35 mm, then 6x7 cm, and most recently, a 4x5 field camera.

The "one winter" became fourteen years and his responsibilities shifted from polishing porcelain (his first park job) to polishing press releases and overseeing interpretive programs for the primary park concessioner. Living and working in the park provided Keith an opportunity to thoroughly explore the Yosemite region with his camera. Over time he has demonstrated an uncanny ability to anticipate and capture the spectacular atmospheric phenomena definitive of the alpine landscape

Keith and his photographer wife, Annette Bottaro-Walklet, followed similar paths through higher education, opting for degrees in Economics instead of pursuing formal degrees in fine art. Both found themselves drawn back to fine art upon arrival in Yosemite where they honed their artistic sensibilities and photographic skills through a mix of books, workshops and countless hours in the field. But both point to their greatest influences being personal associations. Recently relocated to Boise, Idaho, they remain deeply attached to Yosemite. Their work has appeared in virtually every medium, from CD- and video-cases to television, books and posters.