Local Photographer

A recent visit to a local coffee shop lead me to some kind of fantastic artwork that blew my mind. Tonja Gabryshak is a lcoal artist greeted me eagerly as I entered the warmth and cozy atmosphere that urban City Coffee brought to its guests- her line of work you might ask? Photography. What seems to be a popular line of work these days proves to be challenging.Perhaps its the fact that because digital cameras are so high tech these days and so in fashion that almost anyone can pick up one and be considered moderatley good. I however seem to pick up on the difference. Real photography has soul, the person who captures each moment feels emotion and has a creative spirit and through the images they take have the mission of portraying that in some way or another. Tonja's photos matched her odd and warm hearted character. Around the left corner of the cafe various canvas photos were hung. The images I was otld where of Scriber Lake Park, last December. Taking at early dawn they reflected snow and the morning light that only early birds see. The iomages where intruging and really held my attention- not to mention drew even more to the fact that winter was now approaching as December drew on. We chatted about her work and shared stories, places to shoot, she discussed a technique or two.

I guess I was drawn in with am ixture of emotions. I was excited about the work and reministant on mine. I too have that passion, that flame that burns within you that draws you to something and ever since I was 14, I;ve had that camera in my hand, ready to shoot. Tonja's words and advice where encouraging- she urged me to try for scholarships and contests and just push my foot out the door to make a name for myself. Perhaps I will, it might just draw me closer to finding what I really want to do in this life.