I fell in love with photography when I was in the 8th Grade. My best friend, Betsy,r eceived a 35mm 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 me,a Canon AE-1. I had been taking pictures with my dad’s old polaroid since childhood but onceI got my Canon, I became the family photographer. I took pictures for yearbook in high school,at church functions and camps, family gatherings and then in college for photo clases.AsamotherIhave constantly taken photos of my children. Teaching photography at VPMHS as well as advising the school's yearbook has always been my favorite part of work. I take photos "professionally" occasionally but only for very special people and occasions.
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; 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. It was shot with Black and White film (Kodak TMAX) on my first SLR, Canon AE-1.
Portraits
A picture needs a human element. 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!
Taken in 1986 on the back balcony of my parent's home in California. I love the hairline. So typically Jim E. |
My very first concert shoot, taken in 1986. Jim E. looked and sounded very much like Robert Smith of The Cure.
| The Bus Ride (right) Every Spring break we would go to Yosemite. I only went once with my brother and it was the most productive trip I had there artistically. I think his presence was encouraging for me |
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.
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Descanzo Gardens; (left) 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. |
Pool Girls; (above) Three children at one time is a challenge for anyone... the trick is to make them want it as much as you do.
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.
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Matthew Kallonas-- (left) A 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. (right) 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. |
Jeff Maas (right) Another photo done for a band website was taken at the UW.
Self Portraiture
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. Now with digital technology, you see a lot people taking pictures of themselves and you don't need the timer! (I have been doing it before "selfies" were the thing to do.)
Myself, 1986 (left)
Self Portrait, 1985 (right)
Equipment History
Canon AE-1, my first "real" 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. (1980)
Chinon Genesis, my first mother's day gift. 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. (1990)
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. (1997)
Nikon N70, this fully programmable piece of equipment didn't last long. I traded it in to go digital. (1998)
Sony Mavica MVC-FD90, my first digital camera I purchased to 1999 so that I could take pictures at band gigs and upload right away onto the band website. I used 3.5 inch floppies instead of film and the resolution was bad! (1999)
Canon EOS 30D, my best and heaviest 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). (2006)
Canon T5i, lighter than my all metal 30D and with video capabilities! It's the best Canon I've had yet! (2013)
Canon GX7, I got this camera to travel to Cuba with. It's almost as small as that Advantix I had 20 prior but with the same (if not more) quality as a DSLR (2016)