Astoria — LightBox Photographic Gallery will host an opening and artist reception for photographer Loren Nelson of Portland from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday Oct. 10. The exhibit “Under Wraps” includes 25 fiber silver gelatin prints of one of Nelson’s signature series, exploring the beauty and intrigue of structures under plastic wraps.

“I have been photographing in the Pacific Northwest since 1970, using a Deardorff 4×5 view camera, all in glorious black and white,” Nelson says. “Over the years I have also photographed countless commercial assignments with both film and digital, including interiors and exteriors of buildings for architects and designers.”

Nelson shoots film and uses a traditional darkroom to produce selenium-toned silver gelatin prints, in limited editions. Using a view camera encourages a meditative approach, which is well suited to his subject matter of landscapes, seascapes, flowers and leaves, as well as the photos of “Under Wraps,” a series of plastic-wrapped buildings that he began in 1996.

“It is likely that these images are a natural outgrowth of my fascination with architecture,” Nelson says. “I caught sight of a motel under construction near my home, draped in white plastic, glowing against a threatening black sky. I squeezed through the fence, exposed a few negatives and figured I was done.

“I wasn’t. Three wrapped structures later I realized I was captivated by these temporary sculptures and soon had an informal collaboration with family, friends and colleagues, who continue to alert me to sightings.”

The images in this show are a commentary on transition and transformation.

“As this portfolio evolves, I imagine the plastic covering not so much as concealing a mysterious metamorphosis, but rather as a protective skin, carefully sutured, protecting the renovation and healing within,” Nelson says, adding, “whether a structure is rising anew, undergoing repairs, or getting a fresh coat of paint, we are reminded of our own ability to change our lives, remain structurally sound and gain new life.”

Nelson’s photographs are in numerous public and private collections, including the Portland Art Museum, the Visual Chronicles of Portland and Beaverton, the City of Portland Portable Works Collection, Oregon State University Art About Agriculture collection, and the Allison Inn in Newberg. He is represented by Wall Space Gallery in Santa Barbara, California and Seattle, Washington, and by the Portland Art Museum Rental Sales Gallery. He has recently served on the board of the Portland Photographers’ Forum and has been published in LensWork, B&W Magazine, Shots and View Camera Magazine. Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1952, he lives in Tigard with his wife, Ann.

“Under Wraps” will be on display in the gallery to Nov. 10.

Also in the gallery is new work from LightBox Darkroom members, presenting archival fiber silver gelatin prints. LightBox offers supporting memberships for those who would like to help promote the creative photographic arts on the North Coast.

LightBox offers scanning, photo restorations, archival digital printing and framing. It is located at 1045 Marine Drive. For more information, call 503-468-0238 or email info@lightbox-photographic.com