I hope that as people see the world through my photographs, they feel that 'realness' and see how the darkest nights can give us the brightest moments.” Eileen Counihan
Eileen Counihan’s images are set apart from today’s photography in several ways. Eileen combines techniques from both painting and photography, in that she uses various lights as a painter uses a brush, and captures the light stro
kes in the images. First, she looks for the perfect canvas: the blackest night sky, with little or no moon. Then she literally "paints" the night by illuminating the landscape that is hidden in the darkness, while simultaneously capturing the distant stars. This results in something rarely seen in today’s digital world: each of Counihan’s night images are one of a kind, similar to the art of painting. And, Eileen’s photographs are not digitally enhanced, for example, she doesn’t embellish the color or use multiple exposures. During her first visit to the area in the 1970s, Eileen was immediately drawn to photograph Provincetown and the National Seashore due to the intense combination of the renowned light and natural landscapes at the tip of Cape Cod. After many years as a professional commercial photographer, Eileen returned to her passion of creating fine art landscape and nature photography. Several years ago, she discovered a different view of the world after the sun set and began creating her night images. Today, Eileen constantly searches for new ways to incorporate the paradox of darkness and light into her night work – on Cape Cod and beyond. Counihan’s art work has been recognized in juried competitions where she has received awards, honors and invitations to exhibit. Counihan's image of Race Point Light represented Cape Cod in National Geographic’s “Most Romantic Destinations” online feature article. Eileen’s photography has also been featured in many online and print articles and books, including Photographic Magazine, Encyclopedia Britannica, Provincetown Magazine, Provincetown Banner, Boston Globe and in numerous other articles, websites and publications. Eileen is well-known for donating her photography services and art to many non-profit organizations in our community, including theater companies, performers, fundraisers and more. Counihan is originally from Boston and has lived for decades on Cape Cod, and many years in Truro, Massachusetts with her partner of 35 years. Eileen is represented by several galleries across the United States, including Provincetown, Palm Springs and Miami Beach. Eileen recently opened a new gallery featuring her works, First Light Gallery at 397 Commercial Street, 508-413-3311, and at A Gallery, 192 Commercial Street. Eileen’s work can also be found online at www.eileencounihan.com and www.firstnightgallery.com
