Unexpected moments

Just a few years ago, Linda Bowman's only connection to photography was an occasional snapshot with a disposable camera.

You'd never know it from the quality of the Roselle woman's work.

Each month, Bowman submits beautiful photos to the Daily Herald's monthly photography contest.

We invited Bowman to share the story of how she became interested in the hobby and how it has inspired her life.

Her story just might inspire you.

Those interested in submitting photos to the Daily Herald's monthly photography contest, can e-mail photos to Photo Editor Scott Sanders at ssanders@dailyherald.com. Photos should be at least 300 dpi.

Include your name, address and a phone number (for contact purposes only), plus a description of where you took the photo and what the occasion was for it.

Each Sunday's Neighbor section includes at least one entry.

Our professional photography staff picks some of their favorite submissions to run each week and one overall month winner to receive a prize.

The winner will receive a $50 gift certificate, good at PJ's Camera, Pickwick Place Plaza, 662 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn.

Q. How long have you been taking pictures?

A. I just started taking pictures two and a half years ago, so I consider myself a novice. Prior to that time I was known to take an occasional shot here and there using a disposable camera.

Q. How did you become interested in photography?

A. I became interested in photography after being diagnosed with breast cancer. My treatment was very aggressive and chemotherapy limited some of my capabilities. Before photography, gardening was my passion, and I became frustrated when fatigue prevented me from doing my usual routine.

A photographer friend urged me to pick up a camera and start photographing things around me. So I did, and was so amazed at the beauty of the world right outside my door. I had heard other cancer survivors describe this same feeling.

It was like God gave me a new, clearer vision to appreciate nature. Things seemed to pop out at me like they never had before. This feeling is still with me, and I don't think I will ever pass up a sunset or flower without stopping and taking a moment to soak up all its beauty. Something positive did come from having cancer.

So now I had developed the passion for photography but needed to learn some of the skills and techniques. I joined Fox Valley Camera Club, which meets a couple of times a month during the non-summer months.

More information can be found through the St. Charles Park District. There, I learned more about camera settings and composition. Hanging around other photographers is also a learning experience in itself.

Q. Where has your work been published (outside of the Daily Herald)?

A. My work has been published in:

• Schmap Chicago Guide for Seadog Speedboat Rides

• Illinois.com

• Cantigny Park, Wheaton, brochures

• Several companies have used my pictures for job bids pertaining to their industry.

• Two of my photographs were finalists in a photo contest sponsored by Cantigny Park and hung in their gallery along with the other contenders for the past year. The photographs and name plaques were returned to us enlarged and in frames earlier this month.

Q. Do friends and family ask you to take photos at their events (weddings, parties, etc.?) If so, how do you handle these requests?

A. Yes, I have had requests from friends and family. So far, I have shot two weddings.

One of the nice things about being an amateur photographer is that people do not have a certain standard they expect from you. They are happy just having the event visually documented, and that is where I excel … my perfect canvas!

My preference is not to stage shots but rather be a quiet background observer. This way I can get a feel for the person(s) personality and capture a moment of emotion that needs no words.

So I try to explain my view prior to the event so we are all comfortable. This approach has been successful and they have been very happy with the results. Some of the best moments come unexpectedly and make the best photographs.

Q. How many hours a week do you spend looking for photos?

A. My kids would tell you in a heart beat that I spend TOO many hours scouting for pictures.

If it were up to me, I would spend everyday looking for photos, but life can get in the way of that sometimes.

Exercise plays a very important part in cancer recovery, so I try to incorporate photography into that mindset. My camera is always with me when I walk because you never know what opportunities await you. Weather is also a big factor.

I lost my job of 11 years so I have had extra time these past few months, but on average I would say anywhere from six to 15 hours per week.

Q. What equipment do you use?

A. My current camera is a Canon Rebel XTI

Q. What was your favorite photo moment?

A. My favorite photo moment was capturing a photograph I titled "Rejoice," which also happened to win first place in the Daily Herald contest.

On this July evening, I had the pleasure of being accompanied by my daughter, Candace. We arrived a little too early for the best part of the sunset, yet there was something about the bright sky that stirred me to try my hand at shooting directly into the sun.

I asked Candace to stand atop of a picnic table that was nearby and throw her hands up in praise. There were some camera setting changes I had to make, and as I looked up to frame the shot, there were now two figures in my picture and I could see my daughter's outline shaking with laughter.

For a moment, I stood still trying to figure out who this person was and why they were posing, but then quickly told myself to hurry and get the shot.

Afterwards, I learned that the woman was apparently out for her evening walk and spotted Candace posing with her hands up in the air. She then stopped dead in her tracks and did the same thing. I wanted to thank her and show her the picture I had just taken, but as I approached her she just walked away, oblivious to what had just happened.

Q. Do you have a Web site where you showcase your work?

A. I am working on developing my own Web site for my work, but currently some of my work can be found on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/21743346@N02/2165592857/.

Q. What's your favorite photo-taking excursion or location?

A. Cantigny Park in Wheaton is my favorite place to take pictures. The grounds are breathtaking and overflowing with photo opportunities. Established as a public park and war memorial by Col. Robert T. McCormick, the park boasts 500 of the most beautifully manicured and landscaped acres.

Q. What is your favorite subject for a photo?

A. Flowers. I love looking, growing, receiving and shooting them.

Q. What is the most important tip you can share with people who are looking to improve the quality of their photos?

A. Avoid the auto setting on your camera. When I bought my first DSLR camera, I shot everything in the auto mode. Then once I worked up some confidence, I explored the other settings.

Currently, I prefer to shoot in the manual mode, and it has made a huge difference in my photography. I suggest practicing shooting the same shot with camera settings.

The right light is an important factor in the quality of your photos, as well. There is a time of day that photographers call the 'magic hour' when the sun is setting and projects a warm, golden glow -- that is the best time for photography.