Taking it to the streets… (maryland street photographer)

Right before I went on vacation last week, I finished a four-week online photography workshop called “Creating Art in Black & White.” It was through Light Inspired and taught by the amazing Stacie Turner of Stacie Turner Photography. I’ve been a fan of Stacie’s black and white photos and her Holga work for a while and was excited about the opportunity to learn from her. I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous and worried that my work which is usually bright and colorful wouldn’t translate well to a class being taught strictly about black and white photography. After four weeks of learning about photography masters (so cool!) and shooting assignments that forced me out of my comfort zone, I found that what my clients come to me for isn’t necessarily where my heart and talents lie.

Don’t worry, I’m not closing up shop on my portrait business. But what Stacie helped me realize through her workshop is that I’ve got an eye (and passion) for street photography. Basically what that means is I got out and look for photos of people I don’t know. Or for scenes that I’m not involved in. I look for stories that can be told through my camera and then share those stories with you. It’s scary and exciting at the same time. And unlike my portrait work, the stories I tell through my street photography might not always be happy. The work is emotional and at times heart wrenching (as in the photo below) but they are stories that I feel are worth telling.

I hope you’ll continue to follow my new photography journey. I’m not sure where it will lead, but I know the ride will be wild.

(These are all pictures I’ve taken since the workshop ended.)

I’ve even had a picture accepted into an exhibition in Virginia! This was taken at the little fire department carnival near my house. It will be a part of the online gallery and included in the book for an exhibition called “Eye on the Street” at the Kiernan Gallery in Lexington, VA.

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