"Fiction reveals truths that reality obscures." ~ Author Jessamyn West, 1956 ~

Welcome to the world of Imagined Realities™, which is inspired by the above statement. In this world, original photographs of the natural and man-made world are transformed into imagined realities that reveal the awesome, but sometimes hidden and overlooked beauty of the world in which we live.

The Who (Who is Imagined Realities?)

Imagined Realities features the fine-art photography of me, Alan Klein, and is known for its photographic montages, bold colors, reasonable prices, and images from throughout the United States. With over 600 available images and an emphasis on landscapes, flowers, man-made structures, and amusement park rides, Imagined Realities' prints are perfect for the residential and commercial environment, will be loved by all members of the family, and are great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Only a small portion of available images are show here. The remainder, and additional information, is available at the Imagined Realities' website (www.imaginedrealities.com)

I entered the world of serious photography when, over 20 years ago, my aunt and uncle bought me a Minolta XG-A Single Lens Reflex camera for my 21st birthday. The camera was a better and more complicated camera than the simple 35 mm point-and-shoot camera that I actually wanted. While I considered returning the camera for the simpler model, the return period expired so I had no choice but to start reading the owner's manual.

Ultimately, this more complicated camera helped me understand that all of photography revolves around the interplay between shutter speed, depth of field (area in focus), and available light. Although it initially took a half an hour or so to figure out the settings for each picture ("will you take the picture already!?"), I learned from each picture and continued to pursue my hobby. Experience has helped me reduce that 30 minutes by a minute or two; continued advances in camera technology have helped me reduce it a lot more. Not surprisingly, though, my portfolio consists of landscapes, flowers, and structures that are not in a rush to get somewhere.

Trained as an electrical engineer and as an attorney, I have no formal or informal training in photography or any of the visual arts. I have never worked professionally as a photographer or artist, aside from Imagined Realities™. I have been planning to take a photography course or two for the last 20 years, but have not yet found the time. I do plan, however, to enroll in an imaging software course sometime in the next 20 years.

However, I have learned something instrumental to all photographers: more important than expensive equipment or complicated techniques is one simple issue - what is the picture. In other words, "It's the composition, stupid." If the subject matter is interesting, the picture will be interesting. If the subject matter is not compelling, no amount of fancy equipment, lens, filter, or time consuming technique will change that. While I love the modifications made possible through digital manipulation, including the color changes most common in Imagined Realities'™ photography, I fervently believe that it all starts with a good original photograph. An original photograph that is interesting, or different, or shocking, or soothing, or surprising, or simply makes one go, "wow." A photograph that is enjoyable to look at over and over again. Hopefully you will feel that way about one or more of the pictures from the Imagined Realities portfolio.

The What (What is Imagined Realities?)

Almost all of Imagined Realities™ images are also part of a 4-image photo-montage that includes an original photograph of Alan Klein (the “reality”), and 3 additional images that have been digitally modified by changing the color, hue, or saturation of the original without changing its composition (the “imagined”). In other words, the four images are identical, but different. Realistic, but imagined. Each of the 4 images that comprise a montage are also separately available for purchase.

Imagined Realities' images are similar in style to Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe series, but exclusively based on actual photography. In each of the photo-montages shown here, the image at the top left is the original "Realities" photograph; the other three images are the "Imagined" versions.

The Why (Why should you be interested?)

Imagined Realities™ prints are excellent for corporate settings such as hotels, hospitals, offices, apartment buildings, assisted-living centers, and other commercial space.

• Vivid and bright colors in these photographs liven up space without dominating it.

• Imagined Realities™ prints provide common themes both stylistically and in content. Because of the unifying theme of each photo-montage and the common style of all of the images, individual pieces can be easily grouped together over large wall areas to provide an integrated, appealing, and dramatic look.

• Images are not controversial, nor do they relate to controversial subject matters.

• Images are not offensive, politically oriented, or risque?.

• Prints are priced with an understanding of the budget considerations applicable to all businesses.

Imagined Realities™ prints are also perfect for the home.

• Visitors at arts festivals have often commented, “I have never seen anything like this before,” “they are so neat,” or “wow, that is so cool.”

• Images stimulate conversation either because of their composition, their subject matter, or their colors. Mom, dad, son, or daughter will love these photographs.

• Prints are reasonably priced.