Joy has been in a photo group with me for a couple of years.

Joy’s style is photo journalistic in nature.

Joy has a good eye, and is known to find beauty in the most unexpected places.

It could be her “Flower of the Day” series, or her walk along the river front or in Weed Park.

Joy is not deterred by the heat or cold, or rain or sunshine. She just goes.

It’s always a treat to see where she is going to show up next.

Join me now while I ask her some questions, and share some of her work.

Interview July 9, 2019, at the Black Pearl Cafe

• How long have you been taking photos?
  • About four to five years now.
  • My interest began on a camping trip, in a little town in Indiana, where there was art work, murals and things, all through out the down town area.
  • The town boasted a flower garden calendar. It was so beautiful it begged to be photographed.
  • It was divided into four seasons, and it was unique and beautiful.
  • It sparked my interest in capturing the beauty of God’s creation, and being able to share it with others; flowers, sunrises, nature.

• What camera do you use to get your photos?
  • I actually use the camera on my phone. It’s a Galaxy S9.
    • I’m mobile!
  • My phone takes quality photos, is very portable, and always ready for a shot, without doing much with the settings.
• Do you use any filters on your photos?
  • I use no filters.
  • I have tried recently to do a couple of black and white photos, but then went back to regular photos with my phone.
• What is your motivation for the photos you take?
  • Worship. It’s definitely a part of my worship.
  • I find it very healing.
  • I’ve dealt with depression.
  • Depression makes you pull inside yourself, and away from people.
  • Now that I enjoy photography, I get out of my house. I go places.
  • I can go with someone, or even go by myself.
  • This makes me happy because I can do things however I like. Take a picture or not, stay or go, I can decide.
  • I tend to take pictures dealing with light and creation, and the CREATION always makes me feel connected to the CREATOR.
  • The amount and diversity of creation is amazing and awe inspiring.
  • I no longer take for granted the state and town I live in.
  • Embracing and sharing my hometown, causes me to want to do it more.
  • There is beauty in every state, but coming home to Iowa is always best.
• How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?
  • Trial and error
  • Practice
  • Viewing others photos on photography websites
  • My husband is being educated on my photo taking needs as well!
• Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?

• What mood or message do you try to portray in your photos?
  • Natural beauty.
  • Positive. Always positive.
  • Encouraging.
  • I want my photos to point people to God.
    • She also likes to show off her town! (Added by me)
  • I want to try to stay out of “competition mode”.

• Whose work has influenced you most?
  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/iowaphotography
  • Random photography sites
• What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
  • (Chuckles) How to take a decent selfie!
• What would you say to encourage someone to is considering beginning photography?
  • Go out as often as possible.
  • Go out a different times of the day.
  • Play with light and shadows.

Some of Joy’s favorites for photos;

Sisters’ Garden & Bloom

Iowa Photograph

“Driving back from Kalona, with the sun behind us, I had a realization. For some people, looking back is painful emotionally. However, when it comes to photography, you need to be willing to examine your subject from every angle. Otherwise, you might miss the best picture ever!”

Joy

Dare I say, Joy doesn’t miss much!

Thanks for joining us!

See you next time!