Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Holland.
Beth, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My first camera, a Kodak Brownie was a birthday present in fourth grade. At S.M.U., I learned how to develop film using those stinky chemicals. I had a seismic life change in 2008 when I bought my first DSLR camera, an entry-level Canon. Unfortunately, I barely knew how to turn on a computer and was confused about how one got the photos off a memory card.
I decided to sign up for a photography workshop in Yellowstone. Very quickly, I realized that I was the least experienced, least knowledgable, dumbest student in the class. It is terribly humiliating to be that person. I didn’t know what I didn’t know… are you telling me to download Lightroom, lightbox, photo buy, shop, what???? Suddenly I was told to get off automatic mode, set up my tripod, use hyperfocal focus, use my shutter release or intervalometer, select the proper ND and polarizer filters… WHAT?!!
Soon after that experience, I took five classes at the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops, where I learned how to use Adobe Lightroom, how to print and the basics of DSLR cameras. I have continued taking photography workshops yearly including two workshops with assistants that worked for Ansel Adams.
My new love is a night photography. I now have an exhibition called “After Hours… from dusk to dawn in America’s National Parks” at Fountain Place, a newly remodeled I.M. Pei office tower in downtown Dallas. Most of the 20 large photos were taken between the hours of 10:30 PM to 2:30 AM when one can see the Milky Way or make star trails and circles. So as you can see, you can teach old dogs new tricks and sometimes those old dogs, if they work hard enough, can one day even get an exhibition of their photographs.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I specialize and I am known for my color landscape photographs. I print my own photographs or use a professional printing company when clients request a large size. I also do black and white photos of more abstract and intimate scenes. Unlike many photographers in the art world who make photos of things not pleasant to look at, my photos are uplifting and show the world, especially our national parks in another light, the light of the moon and stars. I also teach the basics of iPhone photography to groups.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is someone wanting to buy one of my photographs.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.BethHollandPhotography.com
- Email: bholland427@gmail.com
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