Yesterday was National Camera Day celebrating the device that has captured memories and moments throughout history, but what is the camera without the vision of the photographer behind it? I thought I would take the opportunity to feature some of Owensboro’s own fabulous visual artists who have taken “Kodak Moment” to the next level.

The variety of subjects represented here is amazing. Delicious food photography, weddings, family, travel, seniors, events, architecture, and so much more! Be sure to click on each name to follow them on Facebook, and fill your social media feed with beauty.

Chosen Creations

Josh Murphy has loved photography since childhood watching his father take nature pictures with a film camera.  Ever since, he has grown his hobby into a full-blown family affair with the help of his lovely wife Laura and even bringing their talented kiddos into the mix.  They take some of the most creative senior pictures I have ever seen and are set to capture special memories at 23 weddings this year. Their 13-year-old son, Jonah, loves to shoot from above with the use of a drone.

This led to a collaboration with area drone photographers for a calendar project called Eyes to the Skies.  If you missed out on 2023, be sure to follow them for 2024! Laura says “Photography should be about collaboration and not competition.” They live this mantra out through their partnership with another amazing creative, Jesse James Ayers. Here are some of their gorgeous drone photos!

Dream Copy Photography

Dream Copy is a full-time professional photography studio creating unforgettable images thanks to the dynamic duo Kenny and Debra King. Kenny got his start taking photos for websites he built for clients. Folks started requesting other types of photography and for the past 18 years, they have been making magic!  “Photography is my way of creating something that will be here when I am gone, but more importantly, for the families of my clients when they are gone,” Kenny said. That gave me goosebumps! What an incredibly thoughtful way to look at this unique art form.

I love how involved they are in the community as well. Local events and non-profits have amazing photos of their events thanks to the Kings! This helps them promote throughout the year and raise money for worthy causes.

Mindi Addington Photography

Mindi has been taking photos since she was a little girl. Once she reached high school, her dad bought her a film camera.  She still owns that camera, but now mainly uses digital equipment she has invested in her talents over the years. As a full-time teacher, she makes time to capture moments for people to look back on.

I personally think that what makes Mindi special is her ability to make her clients feel comfortable. She is so patient and kind with crazy kiddos which makes for some incredible shots.  Weddings, family photos, baby photos, and holiday minis are some of her offerings.

Jamie Plain

Looking back, Jamie recalls her passion for photography actually started in the early 2000s when she got her first camera phone, the legendary flip Razr.  She took pictures of anything and everything she saw that spoke to her with that grainy 2-megapixel lens! This is so hilarious to me because her pictures are of infinitely better quality now.

It just goes to show that if you have an eye, you can capture the beauty of the world around you with any device. She later took film classes in college.

Now she works as a professional photographer for Owensboro Living/Owensboro Parent magazines and assists in culinary photoshoots throughout the United States.

Jacqueline Jordan Photography

Jacqueline got started with portrait photography working for the McLean County News after earning her college degree in photography. Taking pictures for the newspaper, she met kids around town who asked her to take their senior photos. Then those same kids started getting married and asked her to take their wedding photos.

Ten years and lots of training and experience later, Jacqueline still loves capturing people on their happiest days.  Another perk she says is “There’s usually cake!”  Her work is as colorful as her personality.  Every photo she takes is glowing with joy.

AP Imagery

AP stands for Adam Paris, the extraordinary eye behind the camera lens. For over a decade, he has been capturing the essence of Owensboro through stunning images of landscapes, architecture, and photojournalism.  Adam has a passion for local history which is evident in his mission to document old structures. He also restores old photos and moderates the super-popular Facebook group “History of Owensboro” which has grown to almost 26,000 members.

It’s one of my favorites! Adam is also an FAA-certified drone pilot providing a unique perspective from aerial photography.  You can find his work in homes and businesses around the area or in Abandoned Kentucky, a book he co-released which features beautiful buildings across the state that have been forgotten.

Absolutely incredible right?

I know this is just scratching the surface of talented photographers here in the area.  I wish I had the time to feature them all!  Do you know someone with an amazing eye for pictures? Feel free to share them with me!

James Katsipis’ newest series of work and exhibition entitled ‘Graintauk’ at The Lucore Art at 87 S Euclid Ave in Montauk Opens this Saturday, July 1st from 5pm – 8pm. The show will run through Tuesday, July 25th. ‘Graintauk’ captures Montauk’s essence through analogue photography shot on 35mm and 120mm film. Katsipis’ photographs showcase Montauk’s natural landscape, vibrant community and coastal charm. You will be treated to a visual journey through Montauk’s hidden gems. Shooting on film allows Katsipis to capture a scene’s unique texture, tones, and nuances. 

James Katsips shared “With the way the world is advancing with Artificially Intelligence (A.I.)  I thought it would be a good time for me to slow down and look back at where I came from – which is Film Photography. While the emergence of artificial intelligence (A.I.) has revolutionized the world of digital photography, there remains a profound appreciation for the distinct qualities that make film photography an irreplaceable medium.

Film photography is renowned for its ability to produce images that possess a genuine, organic quality. The grain, subtle imperfections, and natural color rendition of film lend an authentic and nostalgic feel to photographs. These characteristics contribute to the uniqueness of each image, adding an element of unpredictability that cannot be replicated by A.I.

In the digital age, where instant gratification is the norm, film photography demands a patient and deliberate approach. The limited number of exposures per roll requires photographers to carefully consider each shot, leading to a more thoughtful and deliberate creative process. This mindful approach enhances skills such as composition, exposure, and manual camera control, fostering a deeper understanding of the art of photography. Film photography is not a competition against A.I., but rather a medium that offers a distinct and timeless experience.”

When asked to elaborate on his favorite photograph from the collection, James chose Slaters and said, “Slaters is named because growing up in Montauk, this storefront was its original name. And I still refer to it as that at times, depending on who I’m taking to. I spent my all quarters on matchbox race cars there any chance I could get. It was about 4:45am and only a few workers were up and on the road. The stillness of town and the glow of the street lamps set for a moody scene out of an Edward Hopper painting. I set up my tripod and loaded my FujiGWS69ii Medium format camera with some 120 Portra800 and metered for the lights in the windows. I took 3 shots. One at 3 seconds, 5 seconds and another at 8 seconds. I had it right the first time – but can never be too careful and wanted to make sure I got what I was looking for.”

This upcoming exhibit promises to be a celebration of the enduring allure of film photography and a testament to Katsipis’ exceptional talent. Whether you are an avid photography enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of Montauk, this exhibit is not to be missed. Prepare to be transported to a world where film reigns supreme, capturing the soul of a place like no other.

In the world of photography, artists constantly strive to capture unique perspectives and evoke emotions through their work. And I, Karen Jerzyk, have gained significant attention in recent years for renowned stunning astronaut-themed photographs that I started creating back in 2017. Combining elements of surrealism, storytelling, and a touch of mystery, my astronaut photos transport viewers to otherworldly realms while provoking contemplation about the human experience. In this article, you will delve into the fascinating world of my astronaut photos, exploring the themes, techniques, and impact of my extraordinary body of work.

My astronaut photos stand out for their captivating visuals, intriguing narratives, and thought-provoking symbolism. By incorporating the imagery of astronauts, I skillfully blend science fiction with the human psyche. Each photograph tells a unique story, often portraying solitary astronauts in desolate landscapes, emphasizing themes of isolation, exploration, and the quest for meaning.

More info: karenjerzykphoto.com | Instagram | Facebook | twitter.com