"Sample Articles"
Photo Life November 2001
CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE. - Maria Zorn
Photo by: Janet Kempster
Photography has been my outlet for artistic expression for many years now.
Prior to that, I experimented with painting in oils and water colours. In retrospect, I realize that some of those efforts and my initial dabbling in photography forecast my present style. This proves the validity of a quotation by Galileo, which I passed on to my night class students. "You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him to find it within himself ."
Not being technically inclined, I acquired my photography skills mainly through trial and error. My foremost source of inspiration has been, and still Is Mother Nature. In addition, I find inspiration in anything that speaks to me-- touches me deeply, from a virginal flower bud to a massacred car wreck. I’ve learned never to slight that most titillating of graces -- serendipity.
My friends would say that I am a non-conformist. Thus, rather than looking for guidance from outside channels, I have usually just tried to do my own thing. Of course, I also believe that there is nothing totally new under our sun -- we build upon what already exists and hope to contribute in our own way.
During the many years that I lived in the country, I gravitated towards nature. I observed and photographed the interesting life stories of insects. This documentary style of photography eventually evolved into my current, expressive approach, which includes all facets of nature. For my own and my audiences' sake I choose to take an anthropomorphic view of my subjects. After all, many a time I can’t help but recognize myself in them and thus identify with them. My Nature Plus presentation was the first indication to my students that I had started to stray from my former purist ways. Now, anything goes!
Some might consider my equipment quite basic. A steady companion is my
200mm macro lens. More recently I have come to appreciate the 70-300mm zoom lens. I always carry a polarizing filter and use a tripod.
Fortunately, I have the privilege of sharing my passion for nature and photography, via slide presentations, at seminars and workshops. I thoroughly enjoy people, interacting with them and turning them on – photographically speaking. My most frequent advice: Choose a subject with potential; select your depth of field wisely and above all, be decisive!
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