Blog Paul McDermott’s Photography at Very Important Paws
Within the confines of Very Important Paws’ lobby, two captivating photos by the talented photographer Paul McDermott transport visitors to the icy landscapes of Horse, Iceland, and the deep blue waters off Shark, Australia. Beyond the visual splendor, these photos tell remarkable stories that unfold in the most unexpected moments.
White Horse Story
It was snowing and we could barely see. The road was immersed in a blanket of white. Wind blew in every direction and the camper-van acted as a sail dragging us along. We hadn’t seen another car or signs of civilization in hours. There was little visible other than the glow of reflecting light all around, reminding us that it was daylight. We couldn’t gain our bearings yet we knew we were moving forward.
It was a risky area to stop but the beauty of white horses standing in the sea of snow was too amazing to miss. I left the camper-van parked in the middle of the road and trekked toward them. They, just as curious as I, approached seemingly ready to pose. Quickly their interest shifted and when they began to nibble on my collar, I knew our brief encounter had ended; blending back into the white landscape, they wandered off. A moment is all it takes. One photo. One moment.
Great White Story
The world’s baddest apex predator was coming right towards me… and all I could feel was awe – a deep silence. The Great White can move through the water with such grace that it doesn’t disturb a ripple – until it desires to – and then it will unleash a force of nature.
I felt more respect and admiration than fear in this moment. In reality sharks have little regard for humans until we represent ourselves as a threat or threatened (emulating prey). As I contemplate the reflections captured above the Great White, I see the many highly distorted viewpoints society has about sharks. May we start to see them again as they are – beauty and power.
About Paul McDermott: A Visionary in Photography
Paul has been a photographer since the age of 14. The mastery of so many elements in photography influences his fine art collections and provides the tools to create under any conditions. Paul describes his process as shooting in a meditation – completely present with the experience before him. “My only job is to be ready and the moments present themselves.”
Paul has received numerous acknowledgements for his work including two 2022 Imaging Excellence Awards, 2022 Silver Award for WPE Photographers International Competition, 2021 Spectrum Spotlight Award during Miami Art Week, 2021 Broward CIP Grant* recipient, 2020 Silver Award for WPE Photographers International Competition, and many awards prior including several National Exhibit Merit Awards from Professional Photographers of America. His work has been published in various books and magazines nationally and internationally. Paul’s greatest personal artistic honor was replacing Peter Lik’s photography on Lik’s own yacht, Stealth, after the new owners discovered Paul’s work and, in 2021, becoming a Hasselblad contributor with his art showcased by Hasselblad.
Paul’s gallery, the Paul is Everywhere Gallery, opened early 2021. Paul continues to generate new projects and exhibit his work both domestically and internationally.
Discover more of photographer Paul McDermott’s extraordinary moments captured through the lens at www.pauliseverywhere.com