Member Spotlight
This is a new feature for the CAPS photo club so members get to know each other better, and also to make them aware of what the photo club has to offer.
Please meet Rhonda Pigott
Hi, my name is Rhonda Pigott. I became a member of CAPS in September of 2012. It’s the first photography club I’ve belonged to and have both learned much and enjoy the experience of being with others who share my hobby.
I’ve always been interested in photography. As a little girl I remember being fascinated with my dad’s camera, but photography was expensive in those days and pictures were taken only on special occasions.
Photography is a way of expressing my creative side. Over the years I have come to realize just how positive and exciting it has become for me. I love the outdoors and photography is an expression of “seeing from my heart”. I gain a sense of peace, tranquility and great pleasure from discovering things in their natural surroundings through the eyes of the camera. One of my dreams is to lead and guide people in “Contemplative Photography” courses.
Back in the seventies, I was fortunate in having a black and white darkroom which became one of my favourite playrooms. I dabbled a bit in developing colour but it was expensive and I couldn’t watch my shots come to life as with black and white.
Then came the digital age, which opened up new doors for me. I decided to discover the joy and excitement of programs like Lightroom and CS6. I love the ability to edit and create what these programs offer but I think, I still love just taking my camera outdoors and seeing what I can see. The other day we were driving by the lake in the Okanagan and there was a swan. I have never seen a swan on the lake in the 30+ years I had lived there. Further down, we discovered was a blue heron, which I managed to catch in flight. I haven’t had the time to download these yet but soon.
My equipment is simple I have a Nikon 3000 and a few additional lenses. My favourite is my 18-200mm lens because of its versatility, although I do also enjoy my fisheye at times and my extension tubes for close-ups.
I encourage others to go out and play. Take the type of pictures that interest you the most. Explore them in different lighting and with new angles. Don’t be afraid to try…you might just surprise yourself and shoot something you love. And if you love it, that’s what really matters.
Rhonda Pigott is a United Church minister and piano teacher. She is also a Spiritual Director. Other interests and activities include spending time her soul mate Tom, and their dogs, Duncan and Baillie, their four grown children and grandchildren. Exploring outdoors, gardening, hiking, and visiting with friends, are other passions Rhonda holds dear.