The inspiration for Merrimack photographer Ken Harvey’s award-winning photo “Sisters” came from something that many people are aware of – differences and prejudices in appearance.

“The two sheep looked so different, but they were so comfortable with each other. They spent time together. We often look at the exterior for judgment when we shouldn’t,” Harvey said, “I called the picture, ‘Sisters,’ because, even though they are different in appearance due to different colored hair, they are sisters under the skin.”

Harvey’s “Sisters” earned him first place in the Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery’s second annual All Photography Art Competition in January. Harvey’s photo “Equus” was also selected for the Special Recognition category and took 44th place.

The competition boasted 452 entries from 120 artists, from 30 states and 16 countries, including Australia, Canada, Italy, Singapore, Latvia, North Ireland, Germany, Norway, France, Hungary, Indonesia, Switzerland, Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Along with the first-place title, Light Space and Time offers various promotion venues for the winning artist. The competitions and exhibitions are aimed at helping artists gather exposure.

Harvey’s “Equus,” was shot in Jerez, Spain, at the Royal Equestrian
Exhibition. He snapped the image while the horse was waiting to be saddled and shown. As a photographer, Harvey sees images in many places and always keeps his camera with him. Inspiration struck when he was walking around the event waiting for the show to begin.

Harvey said his image “Equus” was inspired by artists such as John Singer Sargent.

“An image of a woman in a white dress amazed me because of the ability to capture color in whites that seemed whiter than white,” he said.

He was able to capture those brilliant whites in “Equus,” he said.

“As you might imagine, I was very happy and I felt honored to win the award. To have my work recognized in such a way gives me additional confidence that my work is appreciated,” Harvey said.

Harvey started his journey into a photography career after he retired from his job in data processing in 2006. His love for photography started much earlier when he studied for two years at the Pratt Institute of Art in New York in the 1960s.

His love for photography flourished when he was in the Army, stationed in Heidleberg, Germany, from 1966-68.

Though seemingly a recent addition to the art community, Harvey is diverse in his affiliations. He is a member of 10 art associations, three in Massachusetts and seven in New Hampshire. He also has work featured on artavita.com and with Fine Art America. This year, his work will be shown in numerous venues from City Hall in Keene to being featured as Artist of the Month at Red River Theatres in Concord.

The Light Space & Time award is not Harvey’s first. “Sisters” won Best In Show in Andover Mass., in September, being chosen over other media.

Harvey doesn’t adhere to a specific genre or favor one subject over another. But because he does a lot of hiking, most pictures are of landscapes and mountains, Harvey said.

“To me, the image and the feeling count, not the genre. I see wonderful images in a variety of places, so I would not like to be restricted to a single format or category,” he said.

His portfolio includes images of people, nature, automobiles, structures and places he has traveled.

“My philosophy and intent are to produce images that speak to me on an artistic level; images that please me both artistically and intellectually. It is my hope that others will derive similar pleasure from my work.” Harvey said.

Harvey’s studio is in Merrimack at 27 Hansom Drive. He sells his prints framed, unframed or on canvas, signed and in limited quantities.

His images are also offered for sale as calendars and on greeting cards. He also offers photo restoration. Though, most of his work is in photography, he is skilled in Photoshop.

“Some jobs are tougher than others, but almost any image can be restored,” Harvey said.

Harvey will also be a featured artist in the annual Amherst Fourth of July celebration.

To view more of Harvey’s work, visit www.kenharveyphoto.com.