SOUTHWICK – Photographer Michael Lee has been taking pictures for as long as he can remember.
The New Jersey native specializes in landscapes, portraiture, lifestyle, sports and fitness, and works with people wanting to become models and actors. He also shoots promotions for musicians. So basically, he just loves to take photographs.
“I’ve been a photographer most of my life, starting out at the age of 12, when I got my first point and shoot camera,” Lee stated. “With that camera I used to venture into New York City from New Jersey, exploring the city and taking pictures. For this reason I think the urban environment has intrigued me, from the old buildings to the graffiti everywhere. When I was 18 I got my hands on my first 35mm SLR and began experimenting on my own, shooting day and night exposures and naturally learning the basic camera techniques.
Lee, who now lives in Easthampton where he has his own studio, will exhibit 15 framed works at a show titled “Life and Landscapes” at the Southwick Community Church beginning this Sunday.
All are invited to the opening reception Dec. 1 from 2-4 p.m. at Southwick Community Episcopal Church, 660 College Highway. Light refreshments will be served.
While Lee hasn’t always made a living from his photographs, he has used his other careers to further his passion for pictures.
“I have been a mechanic and pilot by trade but continued expanding my knowledge and experience as a photographer, having attended the Applied Photography program at the Ft. Lauderdale Art Institute, where I learned valuable fine-tune aspects of lighting, exposure, portraiture and composition,” he said.
“Life and Landscapes,” will feature photographs of Europe, New York City, and poignant shots of figures. Lee’s photographs will be exhibited at the church until January 26, 2014. The show is open to the public during the opening reception or before or after services on either Saturday evening or Sunday morning. You may also call the church office to schedule another time to see the exhibit or for more information at (413) 569-9650.
The show is the tenth exhibit at the church. Recent exhibits displayed the artwork of Wes and Gretchen Shepard of Southwick and Catherine Gibbs of Cottage Street Studios in Easthampton.
Lee heard about the church’s arts opportunities through fellow artist Catherine Gibbs who is a former artist resident from Lee’s Easthampton studio.
There will be 15 framed works on display and they will be available for purchase. The price will be on each title label, and anyone wishing to buy a piece may do so when the exhibit ends.
Lee said he looks forward to the exhibit and invites everyone to view his web site at Leephotoworks.net.
