In the Gallery -- February 2011

PHOTOGRAPHIC AWAKENINGS by Bob Hamm

Bob Hamm, a native Hoosier, comes to us from Linden, Indiana. Before settling in Linden, he had been a citizen of the world, thanks to Uncle Sam. He joined the United States Air Force after graduation from high school in 1969, signing up to serve four years. He graduated from Basic Training, Technical Training and then went on to an On the Job Training career as an Antenna Maintenance Specialist; later becoming a Communications Specialist. He served in Texas, Mississippi, Florida, Tachikawa, Japan and Koza, Okinawa.

He reenlisted and was assigned for four years to Spain where he was able to toured the country. His last assignment was at Offutt AFB in Bellevue, NE where his military career ended in 1977 -- He had served over 7 years of a 4 year tour!

It was during one of his assignments in Okinawa, Japan that he became interested in photography. He wanted to document places he had been and people he had met while in the military. He bought a 35 mm manual film camera with a 55 mm lens and began educating himself about how to use it. All the bells and whistles on the camera were intimidating, but eventually he learned it all. His first 35mm camera was a Petri for which he later purchased a 135 mm lens.

After Robert was honorably discharged from the military, he wanted to become a "Professional Photographer". He took a correspondence course through the School of Modern Photography in Little Falls, New Jersey and did well. He received a Certificate of Completion in December of 1978, which made him feel very proud indeed. He was young and more than ready to prove that he was the world's best photographer! Well maybe not! Bob learned the hard way that sometimes the best laid plans simply do not work out as hoped.

Since that time, Bob has kept in touch with his passion for photography by reading as many books as possible on great and not so great photographers and their work. He has photographed weddings, taken portraits inside and out and enjoys taking scenic and nature shots. At present he has everything he needs to open a studio. Maybe you would like to be one of his first customers and get a discount. Take one of his cards and enjoy!

The ORCHIDS IN THE SNOW Display Case exhibit will remain until February 18, 2011