'Past Exposures' photo exhibit on display at Westport Public Library

About ten years ago, photographer MaryEllen Hendricks found herself drawn to the mysterious qualities of works produced by late 19th century and early 20th century photographers like Carleton Watkins, Julia Margaret Cameron and Karl Blossfeldt. This effect was partly due to the long exposures that were commonly used at the time, and the primitive equipment in general. To simulate the same effect, she attached a barrel lens from the late 1800s onto her 4x5 view camera and hasn't looked back. A collection of her recent photos entitled Past Exposures is on display in the Westport Library's Great Hall through September, and Hendricks will be on hand for a reception this Friday evening to discuss her works and her methodology.

By Mike Sembos

July 9, 2012