Local photographers get exposure at new Plymouth Harbor showcase

Plymouth Harbor residents are getting a glimpse of life through the lens of talented local artists via a new photography gallery at the senior-living facility.

Residents chatted with members of the Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club at an artist reception on May 12. The club welcomes experienced and new photographers, and both were uplifted at the showcase of works by 35 finalists. A total 57 images are on display at the first showcase focused solely on photography in recent years.

Among those finalists, five received blue ribbons from a panel of judges, with three taking home the top prize and two honorable mentions.

Linda McKenna and Rick Waid both earned honorable mentions for their pieces, respectively titled "Paddling into the Sunset" and "Wild Mare with Foal."

Bill Mills won third for his architectural photo, "Casa Vieja," set in Granada, Spain. The piece captures the character of a quiet side street, centered on "a house the guidebooks forgot."

Inger Keussen won second for "Early Morning in Tuscany," a shot featuring a small Italian chapel amid the haze of a September sunrise.

Finally, Dick Foster won the grand prize for his iconic image of a cheetah facing the viewer head-on.

Norris Carroll, one of the competition judges, said it was no easy task narrowing down the 57 original submissions, given the level of talent and creativity on display.

"It was a challenge because of the variety of subjects, the variety of sizes, and the variety of mediums," he said.

Artists were invited to use their preferred material, from canvas to metal prints.

However, with the Florida Camera Club Council's judging criteria as a guide — which prioritize overall impact, composition of elements, and technical aspects — the three judges were able to make their final selections.

Carroll said part of what set Foster's cheetah photo apart is the intensity of its piercing stare, the overall clarity, and the symmetry of the face in the frame.

Pam Truitt, club member and field trip director, said this showcase aimed to highlight the variety of perspectives club members bring to the table. The gallery includes everything from portraiture to landscapes to, of course, wildlife shots capturing the beauty of Florida's animals.

Barbara Miciak is one of the featured artists selected for the gallery, and her image of two royal terns was captured right on the nearby Lido Beach. While hundreds of photos may be snapped on the popular beach in a single day, it takes just the right elements to align to get the perfect image.

"I've spent the last three years chasing the birds here almost every day," she said.

Other images leaned into the whimsical, like Susan Beausang's stack of hard-boiled eggs, titled "Defying Gravity."

Photographer Kathryn DeYoung offered an example of her portrait work. In "Trapped," a young woman looks off into the distance, separated from the viewer through netting. DeYoung said she was inspired by the isolation that came during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

While some photography competitions maintain strict rules about digital manipulation, this exhibition focused on creativity. DeYoung said she started with a photograph, then hand drew the tear on the woman's cheek and digitally layered several effects to achieve the emotion she sought.

Truitt, a member of the photography club for the past 10 years, encourages photographers of all experience levels to consider joining — regardless of whether they fall into the Nikon, Canon or other fan clubs. 

"We have about 250 members, and it's one of the largest photography clubs in Florida," she said.

In addition to hosting regular meetings to swap knowledge on new techniques and equipment, the club frequently goes on field trips. One of the most recent was an adventure in the Everglades.

She said the photography club was inspired to collaborate with Plymouth Harbor by an artist who participated in last September's multimedia artist showcase. Sasha Madrid, the facility's communications coordinator, said curators of the gallery space work to showcase a diversity of local talent, and they were delighted to welcome so many perspectives for this show.

"This is very special because it's something curated by residents, for residents," she said.

Outside visitors to Plymouth Harbor must have an appointment with the appropriate personnel for a visit, check in at the lobby's front desk, and be accompanied by a staff member, resident or resident volunteer. Call 941-365-2600 or email [email protected] with questions.

Anyone unable to catch the exhibit can see more examples of the photography club's work at the Lakewood Ranch Library, located at 16410 Rangeland Parkway.

To learn more about the photography club, visit LWRDPC.WildApricot.org.