By Karen Smithmyer
Gazette Staff Writer
Photography has come a long way since the pinhole camera was invented about 1,000 years ago. Back then, photographers used a box with a small hole in one side of it that captured light onto paper, or even just the other side of the box. Photographers were limited to what images could be shot because it often took days to process the image.
These days, many photographers prefer digital photography because of its ease and ability to manipulate color and composition.
A selection of digital photography is on display at the Bedford County Arts Center until April 25. The selection features local artists' photographs
ranging from a nonexistent
mountainside to a covered
bridge. The exhibit is the center's first-ever all digital photography display, according to Alyson Dehmcke, Arts Center director.
"Digital photography is gaining popularity," Dehmcke said. "There are so many photographers who have given up film and solely use digital."
Dehmcke originally had planned to feature work
of professional
photographer Andrew Bittner, but at the last minute had to change
plans. Bittner no longer was available, so Dehmcke and her staff had to
contact a few Arts Center members to fill the walls of the center.In a short span, they were able to fill the walls with 56 pieces by 11 local professional and amateur photographers.
Area photographers who provided the Arts Center photos are Ryan Chandler of Bedford, Collin Dehmcke of Bedford, Dan Keller of Bedford, Bob Webb of New Paris, Ken Sepeda of Bedford, Gary Dehmcke of Bedford, Ray Rafferty of Johnstown, Dave Hammaker of Claysburg, John Shuman of Cumberland, Md., Clarence Whetstone of Bedford, and George Small of LaVale, Md.
Some of the photographers took advantage of modern technology and enhanced their photos, while others stayed traditional and showed the image's purity.
In one of the photos, light swirls are depicted by moving the camera while taking a photo of lights. This effect is easy to capture using digital photography, Dehmcke said.
Although
this is the first
time a digital exhibit was featured at the Arts Center, Dehmcke said
she isn't ruling out making it a tradition."Really it depends whether the public likes the exhibit," Dehmcke said. "We really listen to their input and their reactions when considering what exhibits to schedule."
All of the 56 photos are for sale, with prices listed with the photographs.
A reception with some of the featured photographers is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Arts Center.
The Arts Center is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and is located in the Anderson House along Pitt Street in Bedford.