A job layoff in 2009 gave graphic artist Joey Potter a new career behind the lens of a camera. As a distraction from a frustrating job search, the Decatur resident got involved with a local photo club and worked on his shooting skills. He started with a simple point-and-shoot and worked his way up to more professional equipment to take detailed, close-up shots of flora and fauna.
“It was the first time I took pictures since I was in college 35 years ago,” said Potter, 59. “I really got into it.”
Potter’s practice with the art form paid off. Two years ago, he approached officials at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History about a job as a graphic artist and also volunteered to be the in-house photographer. Potter was hired and took his offer a step further, becoming the museum’s photo archivist - a job that’s taken on particular significance as the museum marks its 20th anniversary this weekend
“The museum didn’t have an official photographer,” said Potter. “It’s a position I worked into. It’s been a mutually-beneficial arrangement; I take pictures for the museum, and that allows me to practice my photography.”
Potter was on the job a short time when he realized the anniversary was approaching and wanted to capture some of the museum’s history in images. He tapped into the talents of his fellow photo buffs in the Decatur Digital Photography Meetup group who snapped shots of the museum’s 65-acre grounds and extensive collections. Members recently submitted 160 photos to a jury who judged them without any information on the individual photographers, and 45 were selected for a special exhibit now on display through January 21, 2013.
Potter submitted three of his own works and had two pieces selected for the show. One is a close-up of a spiral shell, the symbol of Fernbank; the other is a turquoise and silver necklace from one of the exhibits.
“I was really surprised because they had a lot of good photos to choose from,” he said. “And since it was a blind jury, even now, I don’t think most people here realize these two belong to me.”
The Fernbank exhibit is just one where Potter has photos featured this month. Keeping busy with his camera is part of the plan for his next retirement that he’s already planning to take in about six years.
“Photography has really taken off for me this year,” he said. “I entered eight competitions and got into five. It’s a good start and will be a nice way to ease into retirement.”
From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, the museum will host a reception for the participating photographers as part of the Martinis & IMAX event. The museum is located at 767 Clifton Road. Information: www.fernbankmuseum.org.
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Every other Wednesday, H.M. Cauley brings you positive stories from our community. To suggest a story idea, e-mail hm_cauley@yahoo.com.
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