Sunlight and Water

Celebrating the Winemakers of Santa Barbara County

The intimate winemaker portraits that comprise Sunlight and Water rejoice in the romance of wine country, the passion of the vintners, and the artistry of great wine. 

From August of 2010 to February of 2011, Sunlight and Water transformed ten locations in Los Olivos into a Meandering Gallery experience showcasing Mark Robert Halper’s portraits of Santa Barbara County winemakers during the book release of Sunlight and Water.

From the Introduction by Anthony Dias Blue

A photographer uses the camera lens to make a point, to open a window, to unlock a secret. The photographic portrait is an expression, an interpretation, yes but, if it digs deep enough, if it is skillful enough, it becomes the person.

Mark Robert Halper is a masterful portraitist who has observed a world — the wine culture of Santa Barbara — and populated it with real people. He has illustrated what I discovered in the cellars of Burgundy and in years of knowing these special people. Look in their eyes. Look closely.