I Married a Photographer

Struggling through personal battles as well as running a business has its challenges.  A few months back, Dean was very vocal about not picking up his camera again.  When faced with these tough times, what is the best solution?  On this topic everyone is so very different.  The best choice for me, is not the same for everyone.

So once we started on our most recent project (which will be debuting on February 12th) we really did our best to find new models, branch out  creatively, and apply technique and skill to all of our planned/posed shots.  About a year ago, Dean and I talked about our approach to photography, he mentioned that it is very difficult for him to feel satisfied taking shots of things that he ‘finds’.  I completely agreed, there is no originality in finding things even when you do photograph them.  It’s not really yours, anybody could have done that. True, but to play Devil’s advocate, not every person has the same perspective. A plain photograph taken of a forest could remain plain or with the knowledge of certain techniques and different lenses it has a better chance of becoming a unique and beautiful snowflake.

With all that said, I have a great feeling about this next collection of 4 photos.  It’s not many but they all make a clear and great statement.  I spent hours working on props and wardrobes, calling people to find new models or people who knew people who were willing to help, etc.  It was sheer chance that we  ended up with the models we did!  They all worked out beautifully!  Writing this, I have a huge grin on my face just imagining people’s reactions to our art.  As Dean said a couple weeks ago, “If I’m not going to be famous for my art then I’ll be infamous.”  He’s hit a sweet-spot!

Teaser

Event Information: February 12, 2010 marks the First Annual Dress Red Luncheon hosted by ACTION Health’s, Aging and Wellness taskforce at the Pine Barn Inn starting at 11am. Dr Robert Davis, Cardiologist at Bloomsburg Hospital will be the Keynote speaker. “Our aim is to set aside this day when people can come together where the prevailing message is that heart disease is a profoundly different disease between women and men,” says Dr. Larry Schardt, Chairperson of the Dress Red Luncheon. The luncheon will start at 11am with social hour to enjoy the photography of Dean Dorman & Marlin R. Wagner following with welcoming remarks and Keynote presentation. Lunch begins at 12 noon followed by a Red Fashion show and closing remarks. The Red Fashion Show includes a collection of red attire from a variety of local stores. “What better way to promote awareness and celebrate National Heart Health month than by supporting ACTION Health – and enjoying the camaraderie of others at this entertaining, fun event” says Lisa Makara, co-chair of the Dress Red Luncheon. Dressing in red attire encouraged but not required. Tickets for this event are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door. Seating is limited. Men and women are welcome to attend. All proceeds benefit ACTION Health’s Aging and Wellness taskforce. For information or to purchase tickets call ACTION Health @ 570.275.9150. Visit our website: www.actionhealthpa.org
You can call me for tickets.

Lisa M. Makara, MS, CTRS
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Bloomsburg Health System
549 Fair Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815

570-387-2099 Office phone
570-336-0036 Cell
570-387-2316 Fax

Like the oxymoronic title?  This is and update on when and where you maybe have seen Dean’s images.  I was happy to announce in June of 2008 that Die Strafbar Photography was hung at The Kind Cafe in Selinsgrove, PA.  We had about 25 pieces there ranging from portraits to landscapes.  It was our first time in the community and the staff at the cafe were great, very hospitable and easy to work with.  We had our photos there from June 27th to July 18th.

Photographing the remnants of an old stone house on rt 204 in Kratzerville, PA

With little feedback, we were on to our next endeavor. Just a week later, I entered Dean in a local judged contest.  Not completely knowing what to expect, I happily took over some framed pieces ready to be put on display.  I did take a visual survey of the other photography pieces that had been entered but I wasn’t sure for which ones we’d directly compete.  Well, that artist’s reception was just not our ‘cup of tea’ so-to-speak.  There were a good variety of artists there who used their medium as a way to pass the time.  For me personally, I just found it really ridiculous to compare some of them on a fair basis.  Based completely on talent and interestingness, there wasn’t a whole lot offered there.  I felt that our work was so very out of place. Dean’s submitted work was dark and brooding in contrast to the generally placid landscapes and portraits of the other contestants; almost a different genre. All-in-all, it was a learning experience.

In February, Dean and I were in contact with some new people for the Bloomsburg ArtWalk.  This is a great way to get your name out in the community and network with new artists; each artist applies and then is paired with a business in downtown Bloomsburg.  On the designated night, there are sandwich board signs placed in front of each of the participating businesses so that passers-by know to stop in.  The timing for this show was hard for me to manage, Dean was just getting back from a business trip days before the show.  I felt crunch time coming down on my shoulders and I didn’t want to get too ahead of the game.  I had notified the business and was  nervous about this foreign experience.  When the day came that we took our photos in to be hung in Ready Go Burrito, we met with the business owner Sean.  He was wonderful to work with, a very interesting, artsy man who welcomes all types of art in his business.  On the night of the event, all the staff was very open and welcoming. At one point, the joint was packed with people ,whether for the food or the art I’m not sure but overall we had a great turnout.  I also made a point to go visit the artist who was my p.o.c trough the entire experience, Abigail Smith Kurecian.  She was located up the street from us at B Green Loft, displaying her beautiful pottery.  I introduced myself and thanked her for setting everything up in such a mindful manner.

Onto our future, we will participate in the ArtWalk again on May 7th from 4pm to 8pm again in Bloomsburg.  We’ll keep you posted to all the details and would love to see you there! If you know of any other artist-friendly cafes, pubs, restaurants, or galleries that would be willing to work with us, please let us know.