Shirley M. Whitenack, Photographer, AFP, FP || Diverse Images Photography, Carrollton, VA
How did a little girl who wore glasses at the age of seven become interested in photography? Credit my mother, Hazel Blanton! She had the foresight to look beyond my poor vision and gave me my first camera—bought with S&H green stamps—when I was ten. The love affair that began then continues today. My camera has been the key to many wonderful life adventures. It has enabled me to travel, meet people, and create unforgettable memories for people through my portrait/wedding photography as well as art festivals.
A self-taught photographer, I enjoy sharing with others what I have learned, teaching in high school, community college, as well as art centers. I am often asked to speak at camera clubs and judge photography/art competitions. I am a member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Virginia Professional Photographers Assoc. (VPPA), Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPNC), and Southeastern Professional Photographers Assoc. (SEPPA). In addition to my portrait and event photography, I sell my work at art shows, galleries, and gift shops. My photographs are in many private as well as public collections and published in books and magazines. I also teach one day and multi-day photography workshops.
Although all of my photographs now are created with a digital single lens reflex camera, I am forever grateful for most of my photographic career I used film cameras. Shooting film required a level of discipline, control, and a “get it right in the camera” attitude that I still live by today. My only weakness with digital is the tendency to take too many pictures! Is that even possible?
- Recent awards and honors I have received:
- 2018 VPPA State Convention: Five 2nd places, one 3rd place
- 2017 Suffolk Art Gallery Healing Power of Art juried art show: 1st Place - Finish Line
- 2016 Perquimans Arts League juried photography show: 3rd Place and Honorable Mention
- 2016 Art at the River juried art show: 3rd Place Photography
- 2016 SEPPA/VPPA State Competition: Three 2nd places, one Distinguished Image
- 2016 Currituck County Arts Council (CCAC), Moyock, NC: Art of Photography Show – Juror, guest speaker, exhibitor
- 2015 Isle of Wight (IOW) County Fair: Judges Choice Award for Professional Photography – Protecting
- 2015 Yorktown Arts Foundation Beach Show: 3rd Place Overall – Play Time
- 2015 Perquimans Arts League Juried Members’ Show: 2nd Place Photo. - Old World Elegance
- 2015 Smithfield and Isle of Wight County Photo Contest: Quintessential Image Grand Prize; two 1st places, one 3rd place, one
- honorable mention
- 2015 Art at the River Juried Art Show: 3rd place photography – Timeless
- 2014 CCAC, Moyock, NC: Art of Photography Show - 1st place – All Is Calm
- 2014 Art at the River Juried Art Show: 2nd place photography – All Wrapped Up In Myself
- 2014 VPPA State Competition: Five 2nd places, one 3rdplace
- 2013 CCAC Art of Photography Show: 1st place, 2nd place, and Honorable Mention
- 2013 PPNC State Competition: One Court of Honor
- 2013 VPPA State Competition: One 1st place, five 2ndplaces
- 2012 IOW County Fair: 1st place Professional Photography - Color; Most Original – Overall Award
- 2012 Smithfield and Isle of Wight Photo Contest: Quintessential Image Grand Prize – Summer Stroll – Main Street
- 2011 Chowan Arts Council, Edenton, NC: 1st place Members Show – Picturesque Harbor
- 2011 Smithfield and Isle of Wight County Photo Contest: Quintessential Image Grand Prize – Evening Glow – Smithfield Station
- 2010 Gallery on the York: 1st place members Show – Quaint Harbor