JACKSON, Tenn. — March 4, 2005 — JACKSON, Tenn. 鈥� For Union senior Amanda Herron, taking pictures is about more than balance, ambient light and exposure -- it is a ministry tool and a form of expression.
Recently Photographer鈥檚 Forum magazine held its 25th annual College Photo Contest and placed Herron in the top 15 percent of entries. From the 30,000 applicants, the finalists will have their photos published in the Best of College Photography Annual 2005, a publication of Serbin Communications.
In addition to the soon-to-be published annual, Herron also had some of her photography featured in Christian Guitarist and Bassist magazine. Herron had the opportunity to photograph the Christian band Day of Fire, and the magazine used her photos. Music photography is Herron鈥檚 passion.
鈥淓verybody has a story and it鈥檚 very important for me to tell that story truthfully,鈥� said Herron on the motive of her work.
She said the most important aspect of photography is the 鈥渁bility to show people what they might not have seen on their own.鈥�
Herron views her work as a ministry, because even though it does not directly benefit those in need, it draws people to see problems and to help.
Her interest in photography began in high school and Herron hopes to use her journalism degree at Union to become a photojournalist when she graduates in December. The reason she transferred to Union from Truett-McConnell College in Georgia is because of Union鈥檚 course offerings in photography.
Herron鈥檚 work has also been displayed at The Dickson Gallery of Fine Art in downtown Jackson. Located at 118 E. Lafayette St., the Dickson Gallery houses more than 300 works of art from more than 30 local artists. It is the self-proclaimed 鈥渓argest venue for local and regional art and artisan sales鈥� in Jackson.
The gallery is home to many types of art that vary from handcrafted wood products, oil and watercolor paintings, pottery and photography. Herron has both black and white and color photos on display.
All of Herron鈥檚 work at the gallery is for sale with prices ranging from $55 to $120. Similar pieces at the gallery can cost up to $400. The gallery receives a 20 percent commission on all pieces sold.
The Dickson Gallery is open from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday. Herron is renting a space at the gallery through May.