Photographer Sarah Carmody, who describes her work as “an in-depth exploration of places, people, and happenings that might otherwise be unavailable,” will exhibit her art at William Woods University.
The St. Louis, Missouri, photographer will have her pictures on display in the Mildred M. Cox Gallery Feb. 5 to March 2. An opening reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 5 in the Gladys Woods Kemper Center for the Arts.
“The blending of life and art to me is the greatest asset of photography,” said Carmody. “The question then arises, is all life art? I look for answers using photography, but find only more questions. I’m o.k. with that.”
Over the past 25 years, Carmody has photographed everything from food to fashion. She graduated from Webster University’s photojournalism program and has worked as a professional portrait and wedding photographer, as well as a newspaper and magazine photographer.
She also owned and operated a gallery that featured internationally recognized photographers. She currently works as a freelance photographer, specializing primarily in events and corporate photography. In her spare time, which she says is sparse, she likes to explore nature and junkyards with camera in tow.
In her exhibit, Carmody examines the degree to which humankind is part of the natural world. Some of her images personify elements of nature by seeking out
“human” qualities and applying human references to them.
“Conversely, human-made ‘junkscapes’ emulate elements of the nature,” Carmody said. “In all instances, the photographer is part of the creation process by extracting ‘vignettes’ of existence and manipulating them as desired.”
Carmody’s images are captured using a technique called high dynamic range (HDR) a technique that produces the perception of exaggerated detail and tonal range. HDR is achieved by shooting the same image at various exposures, combining them, and then selectively enhancing and de-emphasizing elements as desired. The images are then printed on either metallic paper or actual metal which imbue the images with a luminescent, three-dimensional quality.
Her photography, Carmody says, “serves as a backstage pass to the inner workings of businesses, offers a fly-on-the wall perspective of human interactions, and allows access to special events and places.”
The Mildred M. Cox Gallery is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, contact Nicole Petrescu, gallery coordinator, at 573-592-4244 or [email protected]