Jonathan Bourla is an artistic photographer, living in Snells Beach in the north of Auckland.  Emigrating from England in early 1993, he subsequently decided to follow his heart and pursue fine art photography.  Jonathan flew to America for an inspirational workshop run by Howard Bond, who kindly gave Jonathan an invaluable book's worth of notes to take home. What Jonathan learned in America, together with Howard Bond’s notes and the instructional books written by iconic photographer Ansel Adams formed the basis of Jonathan’s largely self-taught education. 

Jonathan believes, as did the artists who inspired him, that a sound foundation in technique is essential before one can express oneself creatively and artistically.  In Jonathan’s black and white process, the initial camera exposure is just the beginning.  Next is his Interpretation Stage, originally done in the darkroom, but now on his computer with a pen tablet. This is his artistic performance where he changes local and overall brightnesses and contrasts, with a slow build up of effect.