Author: thereadingadventuresofaparttimelibrarian

Youth Services Associate at a Public Library in the Pacific Northwest. Grad student at the University of North Texas.

Adventures in Nature by Jeanne S.

Inspiration:

I find inspiration for my photographic projects while exploring wild places with my dogs. During these walks I discover the settings and materials for my work. I enjoy working with a wide variety of natural materials. I create sculptural components with these materials in order to embed my models into the landscape. This work allows me to express my deeply held belief that we humans are part of the natural world. Here are a few samples of my work:

Trees of distinction:

A couple of years ago I discovered a stretch of beach near my home in Port Townsend where a significant wash away occurred perhaps 50 years ago. A storm dramatically eroded the wooded bank that runs along the beach, and the trees along this bank have been adapting in interesting ways ever since. I was stunned when I discovered this place, and I have been documenting it ever since. The trees are telling a story of their resilience. Some of these trees have become the sites for my photographic projects. I visit these trees often. I feel like they are my friends in a way, as I am so familiar with them now, and I enjoy their presence so much. So I decided to feature them in this final project. It made sense to me to take their portraits.

I hope that the story of my adventures and work in nature will continue to unfold for many years to come. It’s been a beautiful journey so far.

This story wouldn’t be complete without a picture of my dogs, three rescue mutts from Tijuana. Their names are Lucy, Pickle and Winnie.

Francesca Woodman 1958-1981

A classic photographer by Jeanne S.

I chose to share the work of Francesca Woodman. I have been a fan of her work for many years. I’m attracted to Woodman’s photography for many reasons. Like Woodman, I enjoy merging my models with their environments. I am attracted to her use of long exposure times, the effect of blurred movements, and her use of self-portraiture. I believe that she felt called to do the deep work of a true artist, and I am drawn to her exploration of her medium. She was profoundly dedicated to her craft.

Woodman apparently believed that she wasn’t receiving the acclaim that she deserved, likely due to sexism. She has, however, received a great deal of acclaim in recent decades. I enjoy sharing her work and lifting her up, as I view her to be an important artist and photographer. Unfortunately, her depression overcame her, and she died a tragic death at the early age of 23.


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Untitled, 1980

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From Space 2, 1976

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My House, 1976

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Self-Deceit, 1978

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Untitled, 1977-78

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Untitled, 1980

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Studio in Providence, 1976-77

Bubbles and Fountains:

by jeanne s.

This is my shot wherein I attempted to freeze the motion of the bubbles. That kind of happened. Settings: f/9 SS 60 ISO 25600.

This is my attempt to blur the bubbles. Strangely, my best shot occurred at the same settings as my first photo. So that’s a bummer. Settings: f/9 SS 60 ISO 25600.

This was my attempt to pan. I moved the camera in the direction of the bubbles. I managed to freeze just two of the bubbles and blur the rest of the image. Settings: f/3.6 SS 30 ISO 2000.

Haller Fountain:

In this photo I attempted to freeze the water coming out of the baby’s shell. I got close. My settings were: f/3.6 SS500 ISO 800.

In this photo, I slowed my shutter speed, which caused the water to blur. My settings were: f/5.6 SS 15 ISO 80.

This is my attempt at a pan. I tried to freeze the water droplets by moving my camera downward with them. It almost worked. My settings: f/5.6 SS 60 ISO 1250.

I still have a ways to go with this assignment. I feel like I’m just now beginning to get the hang of the exposure triangle. It’s been challenging!