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Click Here to View A Gallery of Deborah Sandidge's Images

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©Deborah Sandidge, Moonwatchers Silhouettes photographed using Nikon D2X, creative effects in Adobe Photoshop

A native of the coast of Florida, artist Deborah Sandidge often finds her photographic sanctuary at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and nearby areas along the Space Coast, captivated by the silhouettes and reflections, and the sunrises over Mosquito Lagoon, where the egrets and herons browse the water for fish. While she uses a variety of in-camera photo techniques, Sandidge especially enjoys working with the limitless creative options in the digital darkroom. “I like that a photograph can be the beginning of an image, rather than just the end,” Sandidge says. Graceful and dynamic, peaceful yet bold, her nature images are a great source of inspiration to everyone, not just photographers.



Click Here to Visit Deborah Sandidge's Website


Double Exposure: What was your first experience with photography? What attracted you to it?

Deborah Sandidge: I took a photography course at the University of South Florida which included developing film and printing in B&W. I loved being able to capture what I saw and work it through to print by hand. The process of capture to print is so captivating. With my first digital camera, the Nikon D100, I found digital photography and Adobe Photoshop more liberating and creative than film could ever be. I currently shoot with Nikon D2X which has multiple exposure and image overlay features that allow creative options right out of the camera. The freedom to be spontaneously creative was the catalyst that was attractive to me.

©Deborah Sandidge, Tiptoe Silhouette photographed using Nikon D2X, creative effects in Adobe Photoshop

DE: When did you know you wanted to make photography your career?

DS: Once I switched to digital photography, it became a passion. It’s all I wanted to do.


DE: Do you visualize an image before you start shooting or are you more experimental? How would you describe your artistic process?

DS: Sometimes I do visualize what I want to accomplish, yet other times I jump into the shooting process and experiment as I go. I enjoy collecting images of texture, color, shapes, etc to work with other images later. For me, these component images become inspiration and a springboard for creativity. I try to remain open-minded and try different things with photography. It’s fun, challenging, and very exciting to experiment. I learn each time I try something new, thus perpetuating the artistic process for me.


DE: Do you have a favorite subject, or style you like to shoot in?

DS: I have always been drawn to silhouettes. I like that less is revealed, the subject becomes more interesting that way for me. Silhouettes can be quite dramatic. I started by photographing wading birds on the west coast of Florida at sunset, which was a wonderful experience. I am also fascinated by infrared photography. I enjoy it so much that I recently had a Nikon D40x modified by Lifepixel to photograph in infrared only. The transformation that occurs with infrared is surreal. Foliage becomes white, sky and water are dark, and clouds are almost magical in infrared. The images aren’t completely B&W as with film, which provides many creative opportunities in Adobe Photoshop. As far as style, I try to think creatively when I’m out photographing. I think about different ways to approach a subject. I continually challenge myself to experiment with different lenses, exposures, angles, time of day and light.

©Deborah Sandidge, Dancer Infrared, D40x IR modified camera, North Carolina at an old apple orchard

DE: What inspires you? Do you ever feel uninspired? If so, how do you overcome it?

DS: I find inspiration everywhere. I think it’s the way one looks at things; the curve of a flower, the gesture of an outstretched wing, the color of the sky reflected on calm water. It’s hard not to be inspired by the simple things because I believe that there are endless possibilities to be creative. I hope to evoke a response that allows one to have a greater appreciation for the distinctive beauty in nature – which is the motivation behind my photography.

If I feel uninspired, I look for new and different ways to do things. I keep in mind “what happens if” and work towards approaching a subject in a way I haven’t before. I enjoy looking at the work of others. Everyone has a unique way of looking at the world and it’s inspiring to enjoy another perspective.


DE: Who are some photographers/artists/people you admire or who inspire you?

DS: The first photographer that I was inspired by was Brassai from the 1930’s. His “Paris at Night” series is so compelling to me. I like his very engaging style of creating nighttime city portraits. The fact that he photographed his Paris series so successfully in a short time is such an inspiration.


DE: What are your general thoughts on digital photography? Do you still shoot film?

DS: Digital photography has transformed our society. It allows anyone to now communicate more visually, rather than written or verbally. This level of visual exchange was not easily within reach a few short years ago. I think it connects family and friends like never before. That is a good thing. I love seeing everyone using their camera phones. There are digital cameras designed for children, and printing is simple enough that great-grandma can do it. It’s a lot of fun...what a wonderful and exciting change!

©Deborah Sandidge, Feather Count St. Augustine, Florida, Nikon D2X, Nikon VR 200-400mm

Professionally, digital photography allows virtually unlimited experimentation and creativity, without the time and expense required with film photography. You are able to shoot more, process faster, and in my case, spend more time in the field. I enjoyed the darkroom but I enjoy Photoshop much more. I do use film, Polaroid emulsion transfers and lifts. I have a small daylab where I convert my digital prints to film.


DE: Do you have any recent or upcoming projects (galleries, workshops, etc.)?

DS: I recently completed a tutorial on silhouettes now published in the current edition (Issue 24) of Photoshop Creative magazine. This tutorial shows one how to transform an everyday image into a bold graphic work of art. It’s based on an image of a small wading bird ("Tiptoe"), which receives colorful new surroundings. Easy and fun!  

In addition, Nikon World Magazine will be publishing “Feather Count," a B&W photograph of a preening egret taken in St. Augustine, Florida. “Feather Count” is one of my favorite images because it captures the beauty of the bird in such a graceful gesture.


DE: Any words of advice for our readers, or anything else you would like to mention?

©Deborah Sandidge, Savannah Man Photographed using Nikon D2x, two images combined from Savannah, Georgia in Photoshop

DS: Recognize that it takes some time to master certain skills and Photoshop. Be patient. Photography can be viewed as a journey. Have fun along the way. You can go as fast or slow as you like, and choose where to go and what to shoot. Follow your heart and photograph whatever gives you pleasure. Challenge yourself to experiment and be creative. The rewards are endless.

Artist’s Statement: I think of my photography as an opportunity to share things we encounter every day in a graphic, vibrant, and creative manner. I enjoy bold contrasts and rely on the warmth of natural lighting to emphasize color, shape, detail, and to accentuate character in an image. Creating silhouettes with strong lines and color is one of my favorite ways of allowing others to connect with the subject. I feel that silhouettes intrigue and leave something to be imagined by the viewer. It’s my desire to present a view that is fresh and vivid, through multiple exposures and layered images, as well as creative work aided by the digital darkroom. I am most inspired by what I see in nature’s endless and changing opportunities. I hope to evoke a response that allows one to have a greater appreciation for the distinctive beauty in nature - which is the motivation behind my photography.


Inside Deborah's Camera Bag:

• Nikon D2X, Nikon D200, infrared converted Nikon DD40x
• Gitzo 1325 CF tripod, Wimberley, RRS BH-55 ballhead
• Nikon 200-400 f/4 VR, 70-200 f/2.8 VR (various other lenses)
• SB-800 DX flash, SD-8A, Better Beamer
• Capture NX, Adobe Photoshop CS3, Painter 1X, Nik Color Efex Pro 2.0 
• Wacom tablet and pen
• Epson Stylus Pro 4000 Printer
• Colorvision Spyder2Pro

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Click Here to View A Gallery of Deborah Sandidge's Images

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Let us know if you found this article useful, and tell us what kinds of articles you'd like to see in upcoming issues. Send your comments and ideas to Lynne Eodice.