The inspirational story of Peter Lik:The photographer behind the most expensive photograph in history ( $6.5 million )

1/27/2016 ISO 1200 Magazine 1 Comments

Peter Lik’s family heritage has always played a big role in his life and photography career. His parents were hardworking Czech immigrants who bravely voyaged to Australia in search of a better life. A free life. Growing up in Australia, Peter fell in love with photography at the age of 8 after taking his first photograph of a spider web.

#FBF to the Early Days…

Una foto publicada por Peter Lik (@peterlik) el 2 de Oct de 2015 a la(s) 4:36 PDT

Years later, in 1984, Peter would make his own fateful voyage to America, where he became permanently enamored with the diverse beauty of all 50 United States – reflected brilliantly in his renowned collection, Spirit of America. Since that time, over 300 international awards and honors from the world’s top institutions have marked a career of incredible achievement.

"To truly appreciate what you have now, you mustn't forget where you came from." Photo: Peter's first trip to photograph North America in 1984. #tbt #throwbackthursday #peterlik #photography #qotd #quoteoftheday #photography #landscape #throwback

Una foto publicada por Peter Lik (@peterlik) el 30 de Oct de 2014 a la(s) 4:57 PDT

Peter’s work has not only changed the way we view the world, it has boldly pushed the boundaries of fine art. With studios based in Las Vegas and 13 galleries spread across the United States, Lik has established himself as a leading fine art photographer in the world.

Throwback Thursday: Inner Peace Portland, OR Standing beneath the canopy of this Japanese Maple tree was an incredible feeling - I was in awe as the late afternoon light backlit the delicate leaves. Every branch told its own story, and I felt this special tree had so much to tell. I truly felt an indescribable energy - a total connection with Mother Earth. I used a really wide-angle lens to reach out to as much of the tree as possible. I put my camera on the ground to give me a strong perspective to shoot up into the skies. As the sun sunk toward the horizon, the tree came to life with an incredible display of color, shape and texture - its rays burst into a star within the tree. It was a magical moment when I pressed the shutter - one I’ll never forget. I hope I can bring to you the rush of emotions I experienced. Enjoy. #PeterLik #LIKnotes #TBT #JapaneseMaple #InnerPeace

Una foto publicada por Peter Lik (@peterlik) el 1 de May de 2014 a la(s) 9:50 PDT

"The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul." - Wyland #peterlik #qotd #hawaii

Una foto publicada por Peter Lik (@peterlik) el 20 de Jun de 2014 a la(s) 4:43 PDT

Yosemite in the Winter. Will you be visiting the Winter Tower? Photo: Winter Tower + Camera @phaseoneww P65+ + Exposure f/32 @ 2 seconds + #peterlik #yosemite #nature #nationalpark #california #halfdome #photography #fineart #landscape #landscapephotography #fineartphotography #naturephotography #winter #autumn #trees #potd #photooftheday #photographer

Una foto publicada por Peter Lik (@peterlik) el 28 de Oct de 2014 a la(s) 9:19 PDT

Celebrating Throwback Thursday - Remember the artwork that was hung in T3 at McCarran International Airport? They were epically huge - 24’ x 8’ and covered the length of an entire wall! Which one was your favorite? #peterlik #lasvegas #mccarran #airport #travel #artwork #art #photo #photography #adventure

Una foto publicada por Peter Lik (@peterlik) el 10 de Sep de 2015 a la(s) 3:05 PDT

In December 2014, Peter Lik reportedly sold a photograph titled "Phantom" to an anonymous bidder for $6.5 million, making it potentially the highest price paid for a photograph (wikipedia)

Ghost, can only be explained in Peter' words: "The biggest lesson I have learnt in photography is that timing is everything. No matter how perfect your technique and equipment, if you aren’t in the right place at the right time you simply wont get the shot. In the underground sandstone caves of Antelope Canyon, in summer I knew the sun would pass directly overhead at midday. As the time approached giving me my only opportunity for the shot, a narrow sliver of light beamed down through the keyhole and on to the sandy canyon floor below. At the precise moment I clicked the shutter, my Navajo Indian guide threw a handful of dust into the shaft of light. It wasn’t until weeks later when I finally got to see the results of the shoot that I was able to see the ghostlike human form that had emerged, and I could only wonder if the ancient spirits of the canyon had been present with me that day.” One Iconic Ghost. #LIK1000 #peterlik

Una foto publicada por Peter Lik (@peterlik) el 3 de Jun de 2014 a la(s) 4:15 PDT