Our featured photographer this month is Cathleen Steele. Cathy is a longtime club member, ~15 years, who has achieved Unlimited in Monochrome Prints, Color Prints, and Digital.
ACC: Cathy it looks like you have traveled the world. What are some of your favorite places you have been?
CS: Having had the opportunity to travel the world, there are no favorite places because all are unique in character. However, when I was hired to operate the first aviation academy in Nepal as the chief flight instructor, that experience was one of the most cherished of my life. Not only was I able to provide the opportunity to help the students achieve their goal in obtaining pilot certification, but having the privilege to engage in the local culture opened my mind and spirit.
ACC: How long have you been into photography?
CS: I have been actively engaged in photography for at least fifty years.
ACC: What inspired you to pick up a camera?
CS:I remember receiving a Brownie camera when I was around ten years old and my interest in this art form never ceased.
ACC: What equipment do you shoot with?
CS: Over the years I transitioned from a Japanese 35mm to a Nikon D90 and finally upgrading to a Nikon mirrorless Z6ii.
ACC: What are your favorite subjects?
CS: My favorite subjects tend to be street scenes, people in their natural environment, and abstract.
ACC: What is your favorite lighting, time of day, indoors or out?
CS: I prefer to shoot in natural lighting, concentrating on lighting that will enhance the subject.
ACC: How long have you been in the Arundel Camera Club?
CS: My photography has been improved since participating in the Arundel Camera Club for the past fifteen or so years.
ACC: Have you held any offices in the club?
CS: During that time I have held the office of Program Director for two years.
ACC: What photographers have inspired you?
CS: Some of my inspiration has been influenced by noted photographers Dorothea Lange and Ansel Adams.
ACC: How would you describe your photography?
CS: During my years as an employee of an international airline, I have had the opportunity to travel the world and to use my camera capturing the diverse cultures and environment.
ACC: How has your approach to photography evolved?
CS: I believe that the Arundel Camera Club has provided the opportunity for all of us to mature and grow with our craft. Having been much more aware of lighting, composition, and texture has made me gravitate back to monochrome. The challenge in producing good monochrome photos is see the image without the distraction of color.
CS: My approach to photography is to slow down and approach the scene or subject from different angles.
ACC: Where do you find inspiration or motivation?
CS: I find inspiration in the beauty of nature and people, hoping to have the photo evoke some emotion from the observer.
