Connie Lambert
December 2010
Photographer sees things in a unique light
When one bumps into Connie Lambert, one cannot escape her radiant enthusiasm. Her buoyant spirit is contagious as she begins to share her pictures or photographic discoveries...in the shots or in the cameras. Before you know it, you are enveloped in an animated discussion - one that is both very informative and very entertaining.
In viewing her photography, it is the tranquility that enfolds you. She captures moments in life that creates moments in time. From her attention to details when photographing animals (from The Wilds) to her perspective when looking through the archways of buildings neglected by time, she has created a truly unique body of work.
Her zeal began as a youth as she eagerly tore out photos from magazines that she wanted to paint or draw. It was as a junior at Ohio State that her first photography course landed her onto her chosen form of expression. All along the way, she has experienced the support and inspiration of her artistic inclinations...from high school art teachers, photography instructors, members of the Y-Bridge Photo Club as well as fellow ZAAP Members - she credits many on her path of photography.
When asked 'what are your favorite times to take pictures?' she instantly replies "When I'm awake!" That says a lot about Connie and her photographic enthusiasm. Unlike studio photographers who carefully prepare their environment, Connie has been known to turn the car around and drive by again if a glimpse of inspiration attracts her attention. Not only that, but she'll return to a sight at different times of day or over many days just to satisfy the creativity that charms her bursts of inspiration. She states "Sometimes I when I first see a subject I know I can capture the moment, other times it may take several trips. This is true of the photo “Old Chevy”. I went there several times at different times of day, with different lighting until I finally got the image I wanted. Others like “Monarch in Flight”, I didn’t know that I had captured the butterfly in mid-flight until I downloaded the image. "
Without hesitation, she encourages those who are interested in photography. "If you are interested in photography the best way to learn is shoot, shoot, shoot and shoot some more. My first photography instructor had a saying, “The cheapest thing in that camera bag is a roll of film”. Now with digital it’s even cheaper! Also don’t be afraid to ask others for help. One of the great things about the Y Bridge Photo Club is everyone is always willing to help each other and share their knowledge and experience."
Her passion extends to much in way of the arts and the community. "ZAAP is a great asset to our community and we are very lucky to have a large group of talented artists here. In the last few years ZAAP has grown and First Friday’s Art Walk continues to grow. Everyone I have talked with that was on their first Art Walk they were amazed by the talent, numbers and variety of artists that they saw. ZAAP has some great plan for the future and hopes to continue to grow, but we always need financial support from the community for the Arts to thrive."
She continues, "Art can consume your life, if you let it. At times I have passed up career options because they conflicted with my photography. Right now I’m busy getting ready for this exhibit when I have projects for my Graduate School classes at Muskingum University that I should be focusing on. But this is much more fun!" There's her enthusiasm again.
Her work is the feature for ZAAP's December show. Swing by and enjoy the fruits of this energetic photographer! ZAAP is located at 625 Main Street in Zanesville. Hours are Thursday through Sunday from 1-5pm.
--Shelley Tolliver
