Debby has been a member of BetterPhoto for over 5 years, joining us in December 2003.
What kind of photography do you most enjoy?
I mostly enjoy landscape and wildlife photography, with early morning my favorite time of the day. While I enjoy shooting events and promotional materials for work, I am becoming more interested in Fine Art Photography.
How long have you been a photographer?
My mother was the amateur travel photographer in the family. In high school, she taught me the basics of 35mm SLR and 16mm movies. I grew up in NYC, where a friend had a closet converted to a darkroom. We would shoot and develop black and white photos. Even with this early interest, I never took my own photography seriously. I used it as a documentary of friends, family, and travel.
What got you started?
In 2003, I purchased my first digital camera, the Minolta A-1, which has all the features of an SLR, but lacks the ability to change lenses. I really enjoyed getting immediate feedback from the viewer and being able to use and re-use a card without the worry of wasting film. With these new tools, I was ready to learn. Searching the Internet, I found BetterPhoto. My first class was with the Silvermans in the winter of 2004. In a comment about one of my early photos, they said, "This really cooks". That comment made me think about photography as an artistic endeavor. What worked in that photo was really an accident, but it helped me understand the "wow" factor and start searching for ways to achieve it. Later that year, Bill Raco, an excellent BP photographer, commented that he saw a transformation in my photography from snapshots to artistry. That kind of positive reinforcement really set me thinking about what I was doing. As a music major in college, I worked hard on technique and composition. These same study skills I have been applying to photography, because a strong foundation is necessary for artistry. BetterPhoto classes continue to help strengthen and expand this foundation.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the beauty of the earth, nature, wildlife, people, and architecture. I am inspired by shape, color, and light. I enjoy bird photography as a sport and as an artistic venture. I'm always looking to nail that bird in flight, and thrilled when light falls on the feathers or highlights the eye of the bird.
What are your photography goals?
I'm probably an overachiever, which means I work hard, tend toward perfectionism, and am always striving for my personal best and then more.
How has BetterPhoto helped you attain them?
BetterPhoto helps me attain my goals in a variety of ways. The classes are always informative, and the feedback from instructors very valuable. When I take a class, I usually learn as much from the feedback given to fellow students as from that which is given to me. When deciding what to upload in the BP Contest, I become a self-critic. Similarly, a lot of self-criticism goes into deciding what to upload for the Masterpiece Membership, where feedback from peers is more critical than in the general contest.
