2017 March-April
Terry Seaman and Dennis Swan
Current artists and long time friends Terry Seaman, Champaign and Dennis Swan, Villa Grove, recently installed their joint photography show at the Iroquois County Old Courthouse Museum, Watseka, Illinois. In addition to the many photos on display, Mr. Seaman has a personal collection of cameras and equipment in an art gallery showcase. These exhibits are open to the public in March and April, during regular museum hours. Mr. Swan previously exhibited his work alone in 2016.
Photography has been part of Terry Seaman’s life in one way or another for around fifty-eight years. His interests began with Camera Club in high school. He worked in the camera department of several retail stores in the Champaign area for several years until there was an opportunity to buy a local camera store.
So many changes in photography technology, equipment and printing techniques took place during these years. In 2000 Mr. Seaman went to work in a photo lab processing films and printing photographs.
He stated, “I really enjoyed this and had a great sense of accomplishment, a feeling of gratification in my work. It was the best job ever, for me. Essentially working in the photo industry all those years was my photographic education. I learned many behind the scenes techniques and worked with varied equipment.”
“I worked at the lab as digital appeared in the pro market and then the amateur market.” Digital photography really released me from the limitations of film. The improvements in software and camera resolution have made the photography I like to do possible.”
“Now I am retired and really enjoying photography. My subject matter includes my family, grandchildren, and yes lots of bridges, trains, airplanes, scenery and buildings, anything that gives me visual joy and interest. Digital allows this, as it costs nothing to go ‘click’. If it works out well, I print it. Because it is not a photograph until it is printed. If I really like it, I get it printed BIG! If I have to turn on an electronic device to see it, that does not count. One final thought: the best camera to make a photograph is the one with you. Carry a good one. That means not the cell phone.”
Photography has been part of Terry Seaman’s life in one way or another for around fifty-eight years. His interests began with Camera Club in high school. He worked in the camera department of several retail stores in the Champaign area for several years until there was an opportunity to buy a local camera store.
So many changes in photography technology, equipment and printing techniques took place during these years. In 2000 Mr. Seaman went to work in a photo lab processing films and printing photographs.
He stated, “I really enjoyed this and had a great sense of accomplishment, a feeling of gratification in my work. It was the best job ever, for me. Essentially working in the photo industry all those years was my photographic education. I learned many behind the scenes techniques and worked with varied equipment.”
“I worked at the lab as digital appeared in the pro market and then the amateur market.” Digital photography really released me from the limitations of film. The improvements in software and camera resolution have made the photography I like to do possible.”
“Now I am retired and really enjoying photography. My subject matter includes my family, grandchildren, and yes lots of bridges, trains, airplanes, scenery and buildings, anything that gives me visual joy and interest. Digital allows this, as it costs nothing to go ‘click’. If it works out well, I print it. Because it is not a photograph until it is printed. If I really like it, I get it printed BIG! If I have to turn on an electronic device to see it, that does not count. One final thought: the best camera to make a photograph is the one with you. Carry a good one. That means not the cell phone.”
