Interview: Fine Art Photographer Shauna Humrich

We recently had the opportunity to interview Shauna Humrich of Des Moines, an artist combining photography with digital mixed media enhancements. Her upcoming exhibit titled "Buildings, Bridges and Sculpture" will feature landscapes and abstractions of iconic and historical architectural landmarks.

Each photograph in this exhibit has been altered to reflect the vision and sensation that Shauna experienced while capturing the image. The exhibition photos will be printed on canvas and displayed without frames giving them a distinct texture and boundless presentation.

If you’re an aspiring photographer or just want to know what makes one “click”, you will enjoy this interview with Shauna!


AAC: How did you get interested in photography and when did you get started?

Shauna: I took my first photos with a little Kodak Brownie in elementary school. The Brownie popularized low-cost photography and introduced the concept of the snapshot. My older brother had a black and white darkroom in our house and he would develop my pictures. It wasn't until years later that I dared to enter a photography competition at the Ankeny Art Center and allowed myself to really share my passion for photography with others.

AAC: Do you have any photographic training and what equipment do you use?

Shauna: I took photography in high school but the class concentrated more on darkroom techniques. Surprisingly, that training helps me now even though my darkroom is actually a computer. I use Nikon equipment. Good lenses are so important; never travel without a medium-size zoom lens, a good landscape lens, a fish-eye lens, and a nice macro.

AAC: Why do you “enhance” your photos and what is that process?

Shauna: I never out grew coloring and I like to make the photos match my vision. I use texture and color to digitally enhance the photographs using a software program called Photoshop. Some photos may have as many as fifteen layers in Photoshop that create the final effect for the image.

AAC: Is photography related to your professional career?

Shauna: I do graphic design, photography and web design for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Most of my time at work is now spent on web design and development.

AAC:Tell us a little about the project that you are working on to document all the historical sites in Polk County and why you feel that's important.

Shauna: There are thousands of great structures in Polk County to include bridges and buildings that have been listed as historically important. Many are called by different names now and have been restored to beautiful renditions of their original design. Other landmarks are on streets that have changed names over the years. Future generations will not know that the Hall of Laureates was originally the Public Library or where the Argonne Armory Building is located. I believe that the history needs a new fresh presentation in order to spark interest, both from an artistic and architectural perspective as well as a historical perspective. I am working on a book, maybe many books to be part of that new presentation.

AAC: What advice might you give to someone that’s trying to find their niche in photography or simply just take better photos?

Shauna: A photographer must learn about the rule of thirds and lighting. This is very important, but it doesn't matter if you learn it formally, in books or on-line. Then, find what you are passionate about and get out there and shoot!

AAC: Some photographers say that they see the world differently and that they have a different perspective on life. What is your perspective on the world and on life?

Shauna: I would have to say that I probably fall in the category of an eclectic individual and in a few years I will probably graduate into the eccentric category. I believe in beauty, not glamour, but the deep beauty that we feel when something touches our soul. I hope that my art can give those who view it a sense of the beauty that exists in this world and also exists in the objects and animals that we look at every day and take for granted.

AAC: What is your favorite thing or subject to photograph?

Shauna: I really love taking photos of wildlife, but my recent move into the city has opened a whole new avenue for me. The streets, buildings bridges and glass seem to speak to me right now and I just can't seem to slow down the desire to shoot these structures.

AAC: How do you unwind and is there something about you that someone might find surprising or interesting?

Shauna: Photography is my passion but playing guitar with friends is a great way for me to unwind and enjoy life.

You can meet Shauna Humrich and see her fine-art photography at our artist reception on Thursday, August 6th from 5-7pm at the Ankeny Art Center. Both the exhibition and the opening reception are free and open to the public; wine and appetizers will be served at the reception.

Can’t make the artist reception? Stop in at your leisure and see Shauna's exhibition on display in the main gallery between August 4 and September 30. A picture is worth a thousand words and you certainly won't want to miss this unique and powerful exhibition! The Ankeny Art Center is located in a City Park at 1520 SW Ordnance Rd off State Street and just east of the John Deere plant. Our gallery hours are Tuesday - Friday: 9am-1pm, Thursday: 4pm-7pm and Saturday: 9am-noon.

CONTACT: Barb Vaske, 515-965-0940, barb@ankenyartcenter.com

WEBSITE: www.ankenyartcenter.com