Photography Degree or Self-Taught?

Question and Answer from Heather Hummel's Facebook Photography Fan Page

Q: A fan on Heather Hummel's photography fan page asked, "Do you have a photography degree or are you self-taught?" 

A: I've been asked that a lot over the years, and here's my response:
I first fell in love with photography in my high school photography class (at which time I also built a darkroom in my bathroom...mid-1980s). 
Once in college, I became the photographer for my college's rugby team, which was when I fell in love with sports photography (and the captain of the team. We were together for 7 years). 
I spent several years in my 20s working in camera stores as a lab tech on a variety of processing machines and darkrooms, including the original Noritsu 1 hour machine.
Over the past three decades, I've spent hours upon hours upon hours actually taking photos. Since I have driven cross country eight times, I had lots of chances for photo ops in a variety of places, lighting, backdrops, and more. Perhaps being born with some level of talent has an influence.

I also ghostwrite for a photography blog, and doing so has taught me a lot through research and testing out what I write about if I'm not already familiar with it. It's a passion that I do for the love of it.

As my artist statement for Agora Gallery says, "Everywhere I go, I analyze light!"





Heather Hummel is a landscape photographer who spreads Pixel Dust and is represented by Agora Gallery in New York City. 
Agora Gallery Representation:
Heather Hummel's Original Contemporary Art For Sale by Agora Gallery
Website:
www.heatherhummelphotography.com/ 
Facebook:
www.Facebook.com/HeatherHummelPhotography

Heather Hummel Artist Statement

In today's world of social media and technology, I think it's important for people to take time out and appreciate the land and seas that the new, green world is trying to save. It's one thing to recycle and do your daily bit for the environment- it's another to get out and actually enjoy the elements we're working so hard to preserve. It's my hope that my images inspire people to do this.
As a photographer, my interest in land and seascape has always been much stronger than any other source of inspiration. I’m constantly in search of new scenes to spread ‘pixel dust’ on. No matter the season or the setting, Mother Nature continues to inspire me to seek the next photo opportunity. Having driven cross-country eight times, I'm fascinated by wide open spaces and how light, or the lack of light, impacts the scene before me. Everywhere I go, I analyze light.