YORKTON -- The new show at Community pARTners Gallery in Yokton focuses on macro-photography.
Shannon Erickson's exhibit, 'Up Close and Beautiful' features scenes from the world captured through the eye of a macro photography lens.
“I try to capture the details in the ordinary parts of life, the beauty in creation and the details all around us.” said Erickson in an interview with Yorkton This Week.
Erickson, who is originally from Saskatchewan, but lived in Toronto for 16 years, said her interest in photography came by way of friends she’d met while living there. “It started with general photography,” said Erickson, adding, “Macro has changed my perspective.”
“We get so busy in life, we miss those little details,” said Erickson of her interest in the smaller things that go unseen to the naked eye. “It's interesting to see how there is so much happening around us that we don't notice.”
“My eye is drawn to things you might otherwise miss.”
Erickson's photographs consist of many different subjects. The tiny objects and scenes she finds in the world are photographed with a 105mm lens and presented in great detail -- Ranging from lady bugs on Tiger Lilly flowers, ice formations on plants, and the minuscule snowflakes of a fresh snowfall.
“If there is fluffy snowflakes, you'll find me outside,” said Erickson.
Erickson said her camera, a Nikon D700, aids in the aesthetically pleasing nature of her photographs.
The D700 is a full frame digital single-lens reflex camera. “Full frame allows you to capture more,” said Erickson.
“What I really love about the camera is the colour it produces,” adding, “It's very responsive.”
The photos are vibrant and very full of life, yet they haven't been altered by any software.
“The photos have not been edited, or retouched,” said Erickson.
Erickson noted that she does not use a tripod when taking photos.
“I think part of the reason I like to shoot handheld is because it allows more flexibility. I can switch angles more quickly.”
The showcase represents Erickson's first public exhibition of her work.
“I'm thankful to the Yorkton Arts Council and to pARTners Gallery for their commitment to showcasing the work of local emerging artists.”
Up Close and Beautiful runs until the end of March and can be viewed at the Community pARTners Gallery located at the Yorkton Public Library.
“Shannon Erickson is a graphic designer who began growing in her passion for photography in 2006 while living in Toronto. Finding her love with macro photography, she captures her photographs on her Nikon D700 DSLR camera,” according to the Yorkton Arts Councils website, yorktonarts.ca.
