Karen Meagher, Freelance Photographer

I've always been inspired by nature, whether being in a scenic place or interacting with wildlife. I've also been interested in all animals and pets. After finishing a college degree, I decided to take a "fun" class, Photo 101. In 1989 I purchased a Minolta Maxxum 5000 camera. The traditional 35mm SLR camera has a built in light meter and I use natural light. The only filter I use is a polarizer. I use Minolta 24mm to 50mm Wide angle and Minolta 100 to 200 Telephoto lenses with a 1.7mm teleconverter. I use Fujifilm Super HQ print or Kodak Elite Chrome slide film. By choosing the time of day, exposure and speed of film, 100 ASA or 400 ASA, I try to achieve the desired color and contrast for the best result. I compose nature to convey a feeling or something that I want others to know about a place I have visited. I compose pets to show their personality and all animals to show their beauty.

Some of my nature images were taken when I traveled to California and to the islands of the Caribbean. While on vacation in Massachusettes and the Outer Banks, North Carolina I photographed nautical images. These were my sujects in 1995 after I moved near the Chesapeake Bay in Baltimore County, Maryland on a penninsula called Millers Island.

In 1996 after a boating injury, I did not actually photograph as much as enter photo contests. "California Coast" won a fourth place ribbon in the Maryland State Fair. Print film, 100 ASA was used. "Sunrise" was a finalist in Photographer's Forum, a magazine for emerging photographers. Slide film was used and this was the only time I did actually use an orange filter. "Craighill Lighthouse" won first place in the local Baltimore County Marine Trades Association's Cover Photo Contest, the 2002 Edition. I used slide film and a tripod as it was taken at 5:30 am, which allowed me to capture the light from the lens and it's reflection.

After taking a non-credit digital photography course in the Fall of 2002, I purchased a SLR digital camera, a 6 megapixel FujiFilm FinePix S602 Zoom. A 2mm teleconverter is sometimes added. Slight digital enhancement by adjusting brightness and contrast.

In terms of work, I was hired to shoot high school yearbook portraits in 1989 and am currently a freelance photographer. This web site is to be used to purchase three of my finest photographs. I will soon have a portfolio of animal, pet, and nature images on my new web site, www.qualityartisticphoto.com. After adopting a stray calico kitten, I would like to share with others the joy of pets by focusing on pet imagery. I will be providing pet portrait services when requested. I will be displaying a schedule of art shows, cat shows and pet expos. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to rescue organizations. My wish is for my images to benefit other animals and indirectly people, as the bond between pets and people can be extremely therapeutic. For any questions, comments or to inquire about print sizes, photo cards or pet portraits please email karen@qualityartisticphoto .com.