Film photography has been Thom Hall’s passion for more than forty years. It began with his studies of film development and darkroom techniques and grew from there. He transformed a spare bathroom in his house into a darkroom—blocking out stray light, setting up the enlarger, and turning on amber safelights. While listening to jazz, he watches as blank pieces of photo paper turn into stunning black and white representations of the world around us.

For Hall, who currently serves as secretary on the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) Board of Directors, photography is part of his everyday life on Whidbey.

“I explore with a camera in hand and stay open to possibilities,” he says. “If a photograph doesn’t work the first time, I go back when the light is better and set up my tripod. Even with digital, I slow down and frame the photograph.”

Whether it is the Washington State Ferries shrouded in fog or the intricate details of a blooming sunflower, Hall’s images evoke intrigue and a connection to the world around us. Titled Whidbey in Black and White, this ongoing portfolio project will be on display in WICA’s Lasher Gallery through the end of February.

“I look for ordinary things that others do not see,” says Hall. “Each photograph stands alone and evokes something unique and special; together these pictures tell a story of our beautiful island.”

For Lasher Gallery Curator James Hinkley, Hall’s photography is the perfect complement to the Whidbey Island Film Festival (WIFF), scheduled for January 17-26.

“We are very excited to be presenting his work in black and white photography at the same time as our film festival—“In Glorious Black and White,” says Hinkley. “Hall’s scintillating photos really communicate stories, places, and moods using many of the same techniques used by the great directors and cinematographers of classic black and white films. Use of contrast, lighting, shadow, and composition really help to direct the viewer's eye to the desired focal point in each work. There is really something so unique about both black and white photography and black and white film—especially in the hands of artists like these.”

The gallery exhibit will open on January 17 to coincide with the festival’s red carpet opening party at 6pm. All of the prints will be available for purchase, with Hall donating all sale proceeds to WICA.

To learn more about WICA and the Lasher Gallery, visit WICAOnline.org.