Rome, If She Wants To...
how did you get into travel photography? on accident? by design?
I’m really just a late bloomer. From infancy, I’ve had the beautiful luxury of being able to travel often. As an adolescent, I developed a fascination for photography. It would have been a natural progression to pursue photojournalism academically, but for various reasons I didn't. Instead, I continued traveling and inconsistently collected mediocre snapshots. All things photography changed in my early 30s, when I acquired a secondhand, manual Minolta film camera which launched me on an inevitable journey of learning and experimentation with technique and composition. Thus began the latent passion merge and shooting local architecture morphed into shooting architecture, urban scenes, people, etc. wherever I continued to travel. Then, a few night classes at community college and poof, here we are.
what does photography provide you? the final product? money? positive feedback? awards?
Money? Hmm...one day, I hope. Awards? Well, my official accolades are few to-date, but I am very rich with praise from biased family & friends. Quite simply, photography provides me with the feeling that I have created something unique--even if it’s a family portrait or a rendering of a popular landmark, no two pictures are alike because no two photographers are alike. More importantly however, photography, particularly portraiture, provides me with a deep sense of accomplishment. A wonderful thing called fulfillment occurs when I see the happy faces of my family and friends admiring shots of their children or loved ones.
do you think the purpose of working is for money or for a fulfilling life?
Money alone does not fulfill me; whereas traveling with my camera, though not yet an income-generator, fulfills me well beyond any job I’ve had. One day, I hope, I will blossom late again and my joined passions will create a lovely income.
does the photography bring you joy? frustration? sense of accomplishment?
All of the above! But the frustration is very minimal and only happens when inexperienced developers ruin a negative or when I don’t trust my instincts and miss a great shot.
what’s the best part of travel photography?
I love the excitement of capturing something from somewhere else, whether it’s the faces of Cosplay girls in Harajuku, a canal in Venice or a simple Hawaiian plumeria. Everyday things to people in foreign lands are treasures to me. Plus, it’s very amusing getting stares from locals while I’m aiming my lens at their street signs, brick walls and other minutiae none of them would ever dare bother to photograph.
what’s the worst part?
Going through security at the airport and holding up the screening line while the speedy TSA Agents hand check each roll of film. And, when my camera battery dies right as I am firing off a much-anticipated shot.
any other things to mention about your photography?
I wish more people liked close-ups of themselves. When a model allows me to capture his/her emotions, it’s more beautiful than any physicality.
contact: pamelawalencewicz@yahoo.com
all photos © pamela walencewicz 2010.
click on photo to enlarge. seriously, do it. it's way better, bigger.
You both have talents far beyond what you do for the 9~5. Love it! Thanks for sharing...N
ReplyDeletePam~
ReplyDeleteYou are SO beautiful--insided and out. Your work and talent are amazing and I'm so glad that someone took the time and effort to honor you.
You are a blessing to many!!
~Anne :-)