Gene F. Summers

My interest in photography began when I was in high school. A Kodak Pony was my first camera. With it I won a few ribbons in local photo contests. During high school I did a few weddings for family and friends-candid shots, gratis. If money had been available, I would have gone to photography school. As it turned out going to college was cheaper.

For the next 50 years my academic career in sociology took me away from photography. I continued to make pictures but mostly of family events, vacations, and kids growing up. Always there was an eye for landscape and scenic images, but nothing serious. My equipment advanced to 35mm SRL cameras that I used to shoot mostly transparencies, but with some print film work as well.

In 1998 I took an early retirement from the UW-Madison and decided to
re-start my interest in photography. My goal is to become a recognized
landscape and scenic photographer.

Why this subject matter? I have always felt a strong attachment to
nature, probably from having grown up in a very remote rural area of
Southeast Missouri, and to the beauty that is to be found in nature, if
one takes the time to look closely. I would like to be able to capture
the artistry of Mother Nature with the camera and share it with others.
I see photography as a means of bringing greater attention to natural
beauty. Perhaps a greater awareness will encourage more people to
practice conservation and to support environmental protection
legislation.

Since returning to photography I have done assignment work for the
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and in June 2005 had a one-day show at
the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison. I also have several
images at the Red Door Gallery in Richland Center. And I will have the
February photo in the 2007 Wisconsin Trails Calendar. Currently I am
preparing materials for other gallery shows, for stock agencies, and
for publishers.

In addition to being a member of the Richland Area Arts Council, I am
a member of the Center for Photography Madison, the Sauk County Artists
Association and the Wisconsin Regional Artists Association.

131 W. Court St. · P.O. Box 475 · Richland Center, WI 53581

608-604-2838