Of
Michael
Barron
Aguirre
through the San Diego County schools and graduated from Fallbrook High
School in 1975. He went on to graduate from Palomar College in 1978 with
an AA degree and then received his BA Degree from UC San Diego in 1982
majoring in Behavioral Psychology and minoring in Genetic Biology. He
has been creating graphic designs and artwork since childhood and began
using photography seriously as a medium around 1979 while in college.
"One day I awoke and saw things differently... the way lighting,
composition, and content changes everything."
"Everything we look at has a story to tell. Since I enjoy history, I see
imaging as preserving the history of that moment.."
Michael always was interested in fantasy and science fiction themes. Many
of his images consist of ideas or objects that do not exist in real life.
"The great thing about artwork is that we can create a world that cannot
exist. Why does the sky have to be blue, why can't we have a green sky
today...well with art you can.."
Michael never took serious formal classes in photography or art. Most of
the technique was self taught and as a way to release being very hyper. He
recommends any hobby as a way to relax even if you are not good at it.
"I can never understand people who dont have any interests or want to do
anything fun. Now that is scary."
"People used to wonder if I took drugs to create some of the intense images
of my artwork. The truth is you dont need to take anything because
everything is always there in your mind and your soul."
Michael used to be a purist with regards to photography and was suspicious
of digital technology. Now, he encourages people to take advantage of
digital technology and have fun photographing and experimenting.
"Digital photography is really awesome now and it is hard to distingush
between regular film photography and digital unless you are an expert.
Plus, I think being able to see the results right away and taking as many
images as you like actually allows us to explore the universe. In addition,
the new software is just too cool. My next camera is a 21 Megapixel
Hasselblad Digital Medium Format or a Sinar Large Format View Camera."
Michael used to do wedding photography but now has no time. Plus it was a
headache to please everyone. However, wedding imagery is interesting to
him because it is like making a movie with the director, cast, stage etc. He
salutes all the wedding photographers who carry on. Travel and wildlife
imagery are his other interests. He loves to travel anywhere...domestic or
overseas - especially the magical countries of Scandinavia.
He plans to return again to Norway (Noreg, Norge) and explore the region
near Jostedalsbreen and Molladalen and do some mountain climbing and
glacial hiking where a former exchange student is from (Gunnhild).
Gunnhild is an avid explorer and hiker so she will keep him busy climbing
the peaks and daring him to jump in ice cold glacial rivers with her...just
like before. "Ja vi elsker dette landet.."
In addition, he plans to travel to Finland (Suomi) where another former
exchange student is from (Lea). She lives right on the Arctic Circle in a
town called Rovaniemi near the Sami region of people (former Lapps). Her
country is very beautiful with forests and many lakes and rivers.
.........................."Etsin elamaani revontulia varten.............."
