Photographers capture 'ADay'

In an event replicated in over 190 nations throughout the world, photographers from the Sisters Area Photography Club (SAPC) fanned out around Sisters Country, photographing a day in the life of the community as part of a photographic "ADay" in the life of the world event on Tuesday, May 15.

The Swedish-based 'ADay.org' project is the largest crowd-sourcing still photography event ever undertaken and has enlisted participation of celebrity, professional and amateur photographers around the globe.

With a focus of "think local, think small" and a goal to "capture human life in all its variety and moods," some budding SAPC photographers found themselves reaching for brand-new skill-sets as they had to approach people journalistically for the first time to tell stories with their cameras.

Special moments happen quickly and are gone in a flash, so good photographers find they need always be aware and prepared. Just as the group was gathering for the day, they got off to a serendipitous start when an astute observer recognized that Mayor Lon Kellstrom was standing in the library foyer studying a historic photography exhibit on the city of Sisters. Here was one piece of Sisters' history studying another. Click. As Darla Neiss reflected, "I learned always to keep my camera ready to take a picture."

The photographers targeted people doing what they do in Sisters - and this meant doing a lot of explaining to the subject on what the photography was about. Business owners, craftsmen, staff and patrons gave enthusiastic support to allowing access and giving up a few smiles for the cause. A lot of new friends were made in the process.

"I had a wonderful time talking to people as we did this. People in Sisters are so friendly and were very willing to help us out. I met people behind the counters with real talent for what they do and true skilled artisans with a real passion for what they make," said Sandy Koch. "That's why Sisters is special."

Posing people to look natural is not an easy task, but was very much part of this assignment and club members took to the challenge with vigor.

"It was such fun practicing on the awesome people of Sisters," said Kathey Heaney. Jack Walker attributed much of his ability to contribute some good photos to the training he has received with the club over the years.

Photographs from the ADay project will be viewable at http://www.ADay.org and select photos will be compiled and used in photographic books and exhibitions. Images compiled by SAPC members can also be viewed at http://sistersphotoclub.smugmug.com/Photography/A-Day-in-Sisters.