Fireworks Yosemite

Judy Dater

Judy Dater did this cibachrome (ilfachrome) color photograph of the fireworks in Yosemite National Park, probably on the Fourth of July, 1980. It is an atypical work by Dater, muted colors capturing the pinnacle of a mid-air explosion, as the fire starts its descent. The background is a darkening sky. Nowhere is the oft-photographed Yosemite landscape visible - this is a moment, not a monument.

Dater is best known for her series of black and white portraits, self-portraits, portraits of women, elderly, colleagues, friends, and people she has just found interesting. Traveling in Egypt in 1979 and 80 moved her to began using color. She did a series of color self-portraits, posing herself as stereotypes of women. They have titles such as 'Ms. Clingfree', 'Leopard Woman', 'Eating', and 'Scream'.

Judy Dater continues to live and work in Northern California. This was obtained directly from the photographer.