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Photographer Spotlight: Martha from Perception
As you know, each month I write a small article on a photographer that I've met through the internet. Last month I broke the mold and introduced you to a journalistic photographer that does other photography on the side. This month, I am going to deviate from my norm once again, and introduce a self proclaimed amateur photographer that takes pictures for the pure fun of it and chooses to share these pictures online. Looking at her journal, Perception, will instantly make you realize just how much fun photography can be. Allow me to introduce Martha.
Bike Path Photo Copyright © MLA
The picture that I chose to start things off was chosen for a reason. While Martha proudly proclaims in her journal that she is "an amateur photographer with an inexpensive camera and no photo editing programs on my computer ", I noticed something in the pictures that she sent for this article. She is very good at capturing geometric shapes and patterns. This is quite a bit more difficult that you would think. Finding the lines and shapes is one thing, but being able to compose them in a picture that makes sense is something else entirely. Maybe this is what caught my eye in her photography in the first place.
Martha has had an interest in taking pictures for as long as she can remember. Her first camera came at the early age of nine or ten years old. Ever since, she has been snapping that shutter preserving memories. Hmmmm, that sounds familiar...That is the way I got started, and we have seen that many other photographers that have been highlighted in this journal got their start in that way as well. For Martha, it had always been more about the memories than an art.
However, as we have seen, once that bug bites, the photographer looks to the next step. Until recently, Martha included people in her photographs as a rule, and these people were usually posed. She tried to capture her friends and loved ones in natural settings as well, hoping to capture the emotion of the subject. Over the last month, Martha has started experimenting with other types of photography, and branching out a bit. She is finding that she is enjoying photography more and more, which is one of the great things about this hobby/skill. There is always something else to learn, and another goal to reach.
Off the Bridge Photo Copyright © MLA
So, what does Martha enjoy photographing around her West Coast Florida Home? Well, she still enjoys natural shots of people, sunsets, porn (her word not mine, actually meaning food), and a recent discovery...she loves geometric stuff. Since she is just starting out in the creative side of photography, she spends a good deal of time experimenting with all different types of photography.
Martha shares a lot in common with many of the photographers that have graced these pages...including your's truly, and one other thing that she shares is that she is self taught. Over time, she has picked up bits and pieces of the photographic puzzle, allowing her to broaden her horizons to include more than just documenting memories. Martha is an excellent example of the doors that can be opened up with photography as a hobby. As with any art, there is no right or wrong way to do it. All that matters is that you enjoy what you are doing, and do it for you first and foremost.
Martha doesn't get all caught up equipment, although as with other photographers, she is always looking for that new techno-elite camera. All the enjoyment that she is receiving through photography is channeled through a basic point and shoot camera. This is her take on her current rig...."Don't laugh -- [I use a] Kodak 7.1. OK, I understand if you just have to laugh, really I do! Come back to read the rest when you're done with your hysterical fit of laughter!." Now for my take on her camera...Martha shoots with a Kodak digital camera that is probably more technologically advanced than the view camera Ansel Adams used to photograph Yosemite National Park. We interrupt this article for a quick sidebar.
I'm very glad that I met Martha when I did. Recently, I have been harping a bit about learning your equipment, and not rushing out to get the next best thing. The top of the line camera is only as good as the person mashing the buttons. Martha illustrates this quite well I believe. With only her Kodak, she is able to create images like this...
Palm Trees Photo Copyright © MLA
Tree Framed Clock Photo Copyright © MLA
I see nothing in either of these images that a "better" camera could improve on. What I see is a photographer working on their techniques and skills which will go much further than a new camera will take her....enough sidebar, back to your regularly scheduled programming.
So, what are Martha's goals as a photographer? Her only goal right now is to get better. She adds "I'd like my photos to be as nice as they can be with whatever equipment I have to work with". Which leads to an equipment related goal that she has (what photographer doesn't have these goals?)...She would love to have a top of the line camera with all the great gee Charlie whiz bangs and some good computer programs to round it all out. I believe that she has her priorities right, and when the time comes to upgrade, her skills will be on par with her new gear.
When asked about goals that she has achieved as a photographer, she simply says "Finally getting another camera that isn't on a cell phone or disposable, it's been years!". Now that, I had to laugh at a little.
Office Train Photo Copyright © MLA
So, who influences Martha's photography. She cites Ansel Adams and Scott Mutter, but I think she is more affected by her peers. She has participated in many photo challenges around the internet including our very own AOL Community Photo Challenge where she was awarded a second place. These challenges have really renewed her interest in the art of photography. Martha also mentions that a good friend of her's, Kat Fisher (http://primalucephotos.com) has also been a real inspiration. They met through the AOL journals several years ago. Kat might just find herself in an upcoming Spotlight article by the way.
Martha offers this simple advice to those that are thinking about trying out the artistic side of photography. "Take your time and take several (or ore) shots, digital photography has made doing this easy." More importantly, she says to "just have fun with your photos!"
Since photography is just a hobby for Martha, I bet you are wondering what she does with the other parts of her day. Well, I can imagine that her days are quite full. She is married, and works full time at a high school in Florida. She still has two boys living at home ages 10 and 13 (My Mom said those were rough years), and a 20 year old daughter in college. She sure has her hands full, but I'm so glad that she has time to allow herself to enjoy some of what photography has to offer.
Written by Greg A. Kiser
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I've found your wonderful journal thanks to Martha and am so happy to see such wonderful things. I too love taking pictures and yours are truly an inspiration as well as Martha's.
Nancy -
WHat a great Spotlight, Greg. There are so many talented people out there and I appreciate you sharing them with us. I agree that Martha has a knack when it comes to perspective...very interesting and engaging photos...oh and I do like those palm trees...;) Maria
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A great article on my friend Martha and her photographic talents!!! The porn(food) photos are some of my favorites. She definitely has an eye and I always look forward to what she has found on her adventures!!!
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Greg you are absolutely right about Martha! She has a beautiful eye and is a beautiful person inside and out! I've had the pleasure of meeting her through AOL and in person! Love her work.....(love yours too my NC friend).
Sharon
2/22/08 10:45 PM
Lori
http://journals.aol.com/helms