HAL MORAN

Finding the extra in the ordinary, that's what I do. But, what does extraordinary mean? I tend to equate extraordinary with something that is unique or genuine. Or, as one dictionary defines it, Beyond what is usual; noteworthy or remarkable.

I think if we are honest with ourselves we would see most of the things around us as ordinary – like the places we live, work, play, and visit. But does ordinary mean dull or boring? Absolutely not! It depends on how you look at these things. If you followed me around you may suggest that I live in an ordinary house, drive an ordinary car, eat ordinary (gluten-free) food, and wear ordinary clothes, but none of these things are ordinary to me. I try to find that little something extra in the otherwise ordinary.

So, can anything “extra” come from an ordinary guy like me? As you view my work let me share a little bit of my background, it will help things make sense. I grew up with and still struggle everyday with Tourette Syndrome and other co-occurring disorders. However, I wasn’t diagnosed until I was about 20 years old. I was relieved when I found out and that helped explain many of the struggles I had growing up – especially in the educational system. I had to rely on my hearing and visual imagery. Perhaps that, along with being somewhat of an explorer, spurred my interest in photography decades ago. I knew I would never travel the world like some of the photographers I admired at National Geographic capturing exotic subjects in the wilds of Borneo. So, I decided to search out the extra in my own ordinary backyard.

When we look at photographs that “something extra” may involve things such as: composition, color, contrast, texture, tonal range, quality of light, and various subject matter. These are parts that help create the overall aesthetic value we connect with in a photograph. However, I believe there’s another value that is equally important as the aesthetic value. That’s the value of story. It’s the story told within the image that allows us to connect at the emotional level.

Maya Angelou said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” My aim and passion is to capture and share those untold, extraordinary stories with you.

My work is widely held in private and institutional settings from California to Europe and various points in between while receiving various awards.
Most of my images are captured in or around my home area in St. Charles, MO.

ST. CHARLES

MO

63303

United States