I fell in love with photography when I was in the 8th Grade. My best friend, Betsy, received a 35 mm camera the same Christmas I received my first camera, a Polaroid. My Polaroid was fun, but her camera created ART. Nine months later, for my birthday, my parents gave into my constant whine for the best camera out in the market at the time. I have been taking pictures ever since. I took pictures for yearbook in high school, at church functions and camps, family gatherings and then in college for photo classes. As a mother I have constantly taken photos of my children. Because my husband was a musician I took all the photos for his band and their website. I now teach photography at JMMHS as well as take photos whenever asked-- weddings, senior portraits, babies, anything-anytime!
Here's some of the old stuff, from my film days... 80's and 90's!
Landscapes
Painting them always seemed easier than capturing one on camera. I think it is that interest factor that the human element often jumps in to cover. How easy is it to find a truly intriguing landscape, with a really interesting frame? I first started in Yosemite, CA to begin the learning process under the influence of Ansel Adams, of course.
The Tree (Below) Taken in 1986 in Yosemite, CA while hiking about. As I passed this tree the sun caught my eye and I was struck by its crookedness among the other straight trees. I snapped one photo quickly not realizing this would become one of my most cherished photos.
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Live Shoots |
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Portraits
A picture needs a human element- according to my husband. So on every trip, in every shot, someone has to jump into the frame in order to make the candid more interesting. Maybe, maybe not. Still, I have found personally that plain portraiture to be my favorite form of photography.
I want my photos of people that have more than good looks, they have to have a personal connection. I love talking to my subjects and trying to capture WHO they are. My first model was my brother, Jim E. Parris. He was so fun to shoot because of his interests... music!
| The Hoot 'n Annie (above) My very first concert shoot, taken in 1986. Jim E. looked and sounded very much like Robert Smith of The Cure | |
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Jim E. with guitar (left) Taken in 1986 on the back balcony of my parent's home in California. I love the hairline. So typically Jim E. |
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The Bus Ride |
FAMILY
Once Erika was born my interest in photography changed from a fun hobby to a great mission. I had to get photos of her in every mood, at every age and on every good hair day. Jessika and Monika continued my mission but I must admit I took less pictures as the years rolled. Every time I take them to have "professional" photos done I am left feeling like I could have done better, so occasionally I give it try. Three children at one time is a challenge for anyone... the trick is to make them want it as much as you do. Pool Girls
Taken in 1999 in California while on vacation. I have learned never to wait until all three girls are smiling. If they are all looking at me, I am doing great.
Jim Ford
Because of my husband's musical interests, I am constantly being asked to create photos for projects that he is involved in. This from a wonderful shool for TWL at the State Historical Society. (Below) Taken in 1987 in my brother's room. The window is open and the natural light helps to highlight his face. I starting taking photos of Jim playing while we were dating and have continued to this day.I have found that one the most striking features on Jim's face are his eyes. That steal grey tone in them can be piercing.
3 Girls and a Guy
The problem with being the photographer in the family is always being left of the picture! This one was taken on Easter Sunday 1999 on the way to the Mall of America. I can't help but love every expression in the photo... so much personality
| Descanzo Gardens My mom with her mom during a trip to California Erika and I took back in 1991. Both my mom and grandmother love vegetation and flora. They both look so poised here. |
Friends, like family offer the connection I need as a photographer to make a picture more interesting. The photo is more than just a picture. It can capture the essence of a personality. It is difficult to capture if you don't know it.
Matthew Kallonas
(Above) Another favorite photo shot during a live television show. The lighting was all done for me as it was in the studio, I didn't need any flash or special film. I was able to simply play with the aperture in order get color effects and depth. My photo shoot of a dear friend of ours and very talented vocalist, was done right behind our apartments here in Wisconsin at the peak of Autumn, 1999. The timing of the photos was perfect, late afternoon and the weather was wonderful. I must admit that Matthew did all the work in posing and lending the perfect expressions for the portraits. The shoot was done specifically for Matthew's solo CD/demo.
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Jeff Maas |
Self Portraiture has always been a sort of special interest of mine and I never let the fact that I was the photographer stop me from making myself the subject of my own pictures- that's what a timer is for. Funny how now with digital technology, you see a lot people taking pictures of themselves! (I have doing it for years!)
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Myself, 1986 |
Equipment
Canon AE-1, my first and most beloved camera. I recently took it out of storage and began to use it and found it wonderful to have the control I gave up long ago in exchange for speed.
Chinon Genesis, my first mother's day gift from Jim. With auto flash, auto focus and a zoom macro lens I was ready to capture every smile Erika could give at a moments notice. That camera took a beating and finally died after one drop too many.
Kodak Advantix (3600ix), my first pocket sized camera. Kept in my purse for convenience, I found the pictures from this camera usually lacking,although the panoramic size shots are fun, the resolution sucked. I finally just tossed this camera in the trash where it belonged.
Nikon N70, this fully programmable piece of equipment didn't last long. I traded it in to go digital.
Sony Mavica MVC-FD90, my first digital camera I purchased to 1999 so that I could take pictures at Jim's gigs and upload right away onto his band website. I used 3.5 inch floppies instead of film and the resolution was bad!
Canon EOS 30D, my best camera, gave me all the warm fuzzies my old AE-1 gave me! I can go programmable or use it "manually" but I am ALL digital now, baby! (no digital images are on this history page).
Canon PowerShot SD600 Digital Elph, given to Jim for his trip to Afgahnistan knowing eventually he'd come back and let me use it! I carry it around in my purse and get some pretty nice stuff out of it.
