Showcase 2019, First Runner-up, Altered Reality: Dead Tide – Stolen Lives © Jackie Kramer.
Bio:
Jackie Kramer resides in St. Augustine, FL, after living in Alaska for almost 30 years. She has been photographing the natural world, with an emphasis on flowers, since the age of 16. Jackie has earned awards from The International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY); from the Jacksonville Professional Photographers Guild (Best in Show in 2017 and 2018 and Competitor of the Year in 2017 and 2018), and by the Professional Photographers of America’s International Photographic Competition (Silver Medal in 2018). Jackie maintains an active Facebook group, Phlorography- Artistic Floral Photography, with over 5,000 passionate floral photographers from around the world. She is committed to enriching others through the support and relationships developed and fostered through this network.
Your Name: Jackie Kramer
Title of Your Winning Image: Dead Tide – Stolen Lives
About your winning Showcase image:
1) How I Got the Shot
During a visit to Sarasota in the summer of 2018, I was deeply saddened by the mounds of dead fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and birds, which were heaped up all over beaches and by the bay – all victims of red tide. Sarasota Bay was special to me growing up; I windsurfed, photographed birds, watched dolphins and sunsets, and sought solace in times of loss at the water’s edge. As I stood at that very same spot last summer, the stark reality of our widespread ecological impact hit me hard. One fish “spoke” out and broke its eerie silence. As I got low with my camera, it appeared hauntingly surreal, as if the fish was frozen in the water. In post-processing, I added images of the other dead fish surrounding him.
Red tide is caused by a higher than normal concentration of the algae Karenia brevis, a powerful and potent neurotoxin. Scientists predict that this is going to be a recurring condition unless drastic changes are made.
2) What I Used
The final is a composite of 3 images. The 2 primary images were made with: Canon 5D Mark IV with a 180mm at f/4.0, 1/200 sec, ISO 400 for the base image & a Lensbaby Sweet 35 at 1/250 sec & ISO 160 for the secondary image.
3) About Me
I’m based in St. Augustine, FL and have been shooting flowers since I was a teenager. I recently returned to Florida after working in Alaska for 29 years as an environmental engineer. Other than flowers, I enjoy shooting birds and almost anything in nature. I also find it rewarding to photograph people and love weddings. My favorite places are fields of wildflowers and any garden. I love the unique character found in each flower.
4) My Photographic Journey
My love for nature and art were the elements that first attracted me to photography. I had been schooled in oil painting at an early age, therefore, I embraced photography as another artistic expression. Nancy Rotenberg was the most influential photographer in terms of her style and philosophy; Clyde Butcher for his dedication to his craft and conservation ethics; Guy Tal for his deep and provocative thoughts; and everyone in my Phlorography group on Facebook who inspire each other on a daily basis with talent and positive energy.
5) NANPA and Me
This is my first Showcase! I have been a member of NANPA since 2012.
6) Where Can People Learn More About You?
- My website is: www.luvblooms.com
- My Facebook group called Phlorography – Artistic Floral Photography:
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/phlorography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackiekramerphotography
- Instagram: jackiekramerphotography
- My NANPA Portfolio is: https://nanpa.org/portfolio/jackie-kramer-2019/
