OXFORD – On November 8, 6 On The Square (6OTS) will be hosting an opening art reception for local photographer, Deborah Smith, from 6 to 8 p.m. The solo exhibit of photography will run from November 8 through December 22. All are welcome to meet the published New Berlin artist, and author, at the Friday reception which is free of charge. Come and see these beautiful pictures taken by a talented woman whose eye for art is inspired by her love of nature and animals.
Deborah, originally from Massachusetts, always loved animals and nature. She couldn’t help bringing home all sorts of strays - dogs, cats, bunnies, and birds. Her other love was taking photographs, using her first camera, a Brownie. In 1977, Deborah moved to upstate New York. She felt the mountains and wildlife were spectacular but her photography was only a hobby then, while raising a family was her primary concern. It would be decades before Smith would start promoting her photography.
In 1999 Deborah decided to take her photography to the next level, and she took some photography classes. She purchased a Canon Rebel (film) camera and some lenses, and in a short while, just like the beauty of the great outdoors, a new world opened up to her.
In 2004, Smith remarried. Her new husband, Ed, is also a photographer and a photography teacher. Together, they photograph weddings and do family portraits, but individually, Deborah’s passion for photography still lies in wildlife and nature, including some landscapes.
Taking pictures of birds and wolves are a specialty of Deborah’s. As a volunteer at The Wolf Mountain Nature Center in Smyrna, she has the unique opportunity to photograph majestic Gray Wolves, Arctic Foxes, and Eastern Coyotes quite often. To do so, she uses her Canon 6D, digital camera, with a Canon 100 x 400 lens (with image stabilizer), a Tamron 28 x 200 - wide angle lens 18 x 55, and a Canon macro lens.
Smith has published two books: a child's book titled, “Birds in Your Backyard” and a picture book titled, “Wolves Of The Wolf Mountain Nature Center.”
In July of 2012, Deborah entered a photo contest on Facebook for Thayer Birding Software. Based on popular vote, she placed fourth. Much to her surprise, however, Deborah received a phone call from Peter Thayer, president of Thayer Birding Software, LLC himself! He told Deb the exciting news that her “Flying Barn Owl” photograph was chosen to be published on both the “Thayer's Birds of North America” DVD and the “Birds of My State or Province” DVD. (Under “Barn Owls”, see: “Flying Barn Owl,” and Deborah’s name appears when you click to zoom-in.)
Looking forward to the 6OTS exhibit, Deborah stated, “I hope everyone enjoys my photography as much as I do sharing it with you.”
6 On The Square invites you to come for light refreshments at the reception and meet the artist. Later, the exhibit can be viewed at 6OTS one-hour before and during performances. Visit 6OTS on the web - www.6onthesquare.org - to see the show schedule.
6 On The Square, Inc., a not-for-profit, volunteer-based, community music and arts venue, is located at 6 LaFayette Park in downtown Oxford. For further information, call 843-6876.