Tia Widmer: spontaneity in black and white

This photo by Tia Widmer was taken on Route 33 near Rawley Springs. “I wasn’t planning on taking this photo; I was driving and had my camera with me in the car. I do that a lot—just take photos when I’m driving around,” says Widmer.

This past Sunday, March 28, senior Tia Widmer hosted a small gathering of family and friends for her opening reception at Seventh Heaven Café just off campus.

The gallery displayed a collection of black-and-white photographs with subjects ranging from well-known downtown Harrisonburg landmarks such as Jess’ Quick Lunch, Red Front, Wetsel’s Seeds, and Glen’s Fairprice to a Florida pier, a sunset, and a winding backcountry road.

All of the photographs were for sale, ranging in price from $40 to $65 and ranging in size from as small as 14" x 16" to as large as 14"x 20". The artwork was matted, framed, and arranged on four of the building’s walls, allowing the observer to glance easily around the room and begin to get a feel for the pieces displayed in the collection. The space was open and inviting and allowed for conversation and discussion about Widmer’s work.

She believes adamantly in the idea that "black-and-white photography is much more artistic than color...becoming a freelance photographer for a major magazine or newspaper would be amazing." In the future, Widmer would also like to open up a small coffee shop displaying her own work.

Joe Mitrani: What type of art background do you have?

Tia Widmer: I think my interest started in childhood, and I became more involved in photography, especially in black-and-white photography, my junior or senior year of high school.

J.M.: What other interests outside of photography do you have?

T.W.: I like hanging out with friends, enjoying the outdoors.

J.M.: What concepts do you use when creating your art?

T.W.: I like spontaneity, liking what I see and stopping to take some photographs.

J.M.: How much time did you spend on this gallery?

T.W.: It took the entire semester to do everything, choosing the photos and then about a week of printing on top of that.

J.M.: What inspires you?

T.W.: Interesting locations, subjects, or things that catch my eye.

J.M.: Did you use any particular equipment?

T.W.: I used a 35mm lens and an SLR camera. I did half color shots and half black and white, and some digital Photoshop work with black-and-white photos.

J.M.: Do you have any general or specific influences?

T.W.: I like the simple things: everyday life, children, and their expressions, just random things I see.

J.M.: What insights did your internship at WCSC and studying at the Washington Bethesda School of Photography help you to discover?

T.W.: Well, I worked in the black-and-white lab at Washington Bethesda and learned a lot while I was there.

Some of Widmer’s prints will be for sale at the Starving Artists Sale in the Student Gallery next to Common Grounds, March 31 through April 6.