EXPLORING THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE

STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHY SHOWCASE

INTrODUCTION

Students had the opportunity to explore the natural landscape and capture unique imagery celebrating what is considered to be quintessential Florida. This special workshop was designed to help students make compelling images–with the goal of producing a cohesive body of prints–by exploring personal vision and various approaches in the field, including observation and framing techniques. The participating students received personalized instruction, learning to adapt and develop their artistic aesthetic on location.

Students explored McMillon Creek Ranch and Lake Ashby Park in Osteen, in southwest Volusia County, FL.

Above: Kerry Schrage poses next to his images on display in the museum’s gallery.

McMillon Creek Ranch

The ranch property contains numerous native plants and animals, as well as threatened and endangered species. Historical features include a midden and civil war era remnants, a brick-and-mortar syrup vat which has been recovered and protected, and an original Cracker farm house built before 1876.

McMillon Creek Ranch, a 214-acre farm in Osteen, is a primarily focused on raising livestock.

Today, however, it is playing host to a photography workshop–led by Benjamin Dimmitt–for a group of Daytona State College students.

The entrance to McMillon Creek Ranch offers a picturesque view of “Old Florida,” with stately live oaks gracefully arching overhead, limbs adorned with Spanish moss, while pastures and distant fields of scrubby flatwood and palm hammocks extend in every direction. As our group begins to load gear onto a pair of utility vehicles, sandhill cranes saunter past, their curiosity overtaking their sense of caution. It is certainly understandable–our group is dressed for every conceivable type of weather, and most of us are struggling to get into our waterproof boots. There are backpacks and tripods scattered around our feet, and the unmistakable scent of mosquito repellent hangs in the air. The humidity has already reached an unexpected high, and though the sun is shining, there are telltale clouds on the horizon. Luckily, we are accompanied by Milton and MaryJo McMillion, who have graciously allowed us to explore their private ranch, and are serving as our guides for the day.

There is an abundance of wildlife on this property, including owls, storks, tortoises, alligators, migrating swallowtail kites, whitetail deer and turkey. The property also attracts black bears, known to forage and roam the ranch.

One of the more unique sights was a low flowing creek, its water stained a beautiful amber color from the tannins. We sloshed through the creek bed, stopping to photograph a stand of impressively sized elephant ears, their heart-shaped leaves towering over us and providing some cover from the raindrops.  

LAKE ASHBY PARK

As a group, we crossed the park’s meandering boardwalk, which traverses floodplain forest and goes out over Lake Ashby. We were able to explore the many footpaths–and let our boots sink into the mud–as each student interpreted the landscape according to their own aesthetic.

Special note: It was pleasure to accompany the students into the field and document the events of the day as they unfolded. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Benjamin Dimmitt for setting aside the time to work one-on-one with students in the field, and to thank each student for their earnest participation and for sharing their work. This workshop was truly unique, and the Southeast Museum of Photography is pleased to offer such educational experiences to Daytona State College students at no cost to them. We believe maintaining a strong partnership with the Southeast Center for Photographic Studies, and providing such unique opportunities to their students better prepares them for a career in the photographic arts. – Christina Katsolis

STUDENT SHOWCASE

SELECT WORKS FROM THE ARTISTS