Various styles
Compilation of technqies showcased in photo gallery
Trending
Through Dec. 7, The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Altoona is featuring a three-photographer exhibition "The Downtowners," with the works of Susan L. Youshaw, Randy Klobetanz, and Chuck Meyers -- all three professionals have ties to downtown Altoona.
"The work of these three photographers show the diversity and expertise of the artists," said Barbara Hollander of SAMA who curated the exhibition. "The camera is only a tool. It is the artists mastery of their craft that transforms a photograph into art. We are showcasing the various styles of photojournalism, scenic vistas and magic realism. What an exciting compilation of styles for our viewers to see."
Both Youshaw and Klobetanz became interested in photography at young ages.
Youshaw found her love for photography at a young age when she received a SnappyQ camera as a gift. Youshaw graduated with honors from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Photography. Located in downtown Altoona, Youshaw owns her own studio, SLY Photography Studio & Gallery, which is located on the 3rd floor, 1408 11th Ave.
Klobetanz captured images on his Kodak Brownie Camera while vacationing with his family and said he believes in "keeping it simple to ensure the images presented are as close to what can be seen with the naked eye as possible," he said.
Meyers is a self-taught photographer and a self-described lifelong learner. He has a strong passion for photography and opened Two 20 Studios nearly six years ago, where he "chases light, gets in the middle of the action and captures emotion." In January of 2014, Meyers created his business, and has gone from shooting Altoona Football League games to the sidelines of the NFL and NCAA, from Little League to the Big Leagues.
"The exhibition has been more than a year in the making," Youshaw said. One of the featured works is "Eau," the French word for water, and features Andrea Sirois of Altoona partially submerged.
"It was really challenging -- more for her than for me," Youshaw said. "She had to stay very still in the water to avoid ripples and she kept floating. She kept part of her face submerged and one of her eyes open. It was much harder for her than for me."
Youshaw described her style as "whimsical and artistic" and keeps a notebook where she writes down any photo ideas.
"I plan them all out and when I have everything ready I put out a model call to find willing participants," she said.
Also in the exhibit, is a 7-image series entitled "Superstitious Whimsy" that depicts common superstitions that are believed to influence a person's luck: a broken mirror, a horseshoe, an open umbrella, a figure walking under a ladder, the number 13, a black cat and spilled salt.
Mirror Staff Writer Patt Keith is at 949-7030.