Metolius photographer overcomes obstacles

Landscape photographer Gary Albertson continues his photographic work even though he has faced years of challenges with deteriorating sight.

Albertson has pigment dispersion glaucoma, which occurs when pigment cells in the eye slough off from the back of the iris and float around in the aqueous humor.

Gary ran his Sisters Gallery and Frame shop in Sisters for eight years. He has lived in Camp Sherman for 20 years and photographs the Metolius River and several of the local creeks. You may see some of his work at Sisters Gallery and Frame, on Facebook (search: Gary Albertson), or online at GaryAlbertson.com.

Albertson says his eye condition has made him depend more on other senses like hearing, smelling, touching and also remembering what came to him during composing and before taking a shot. Gary uses a Nikon D750 digital camera for most of his photo work.

To Albertson, the Metolius River sounds like soft, enjoyable music.

“It also is much like a religious experience when working near the river,” he says.

Gary’s career as a corporate graphic designer gave him opportunity to see how photographers worked. He decided to go into photography and became a very successful landscape photo artist. He also enjoyed writing and created an outstanding book, “Fire Mountain,” the story of Mt. St. Helens eruptions.

As we all age, it’s good to remember to keep moving and do the things we enjoy, regardless of obstacles.

Gary Albertson, at age 70, is certainly an outstanding example.