Image Credit: “Morning Silence” © Bart Welch
Arizona Photography Alliance’s Juried Theme Gallery – Silence online exhibition is a huge success. Part of the prize was the opportunity for the winning photographers to share their thoughts about the work they submitted in relation to the theme “Silence.” Here is one of two Honorable Mention winners, Bart Welch.
AZPA: How did you get started in photography?
BW: Ever since I can remember, I was sketching and capturing images with our family’s Instamatic camera. It wasn’t until college that I bought my first SLR camera, a Minolta XG1. I went on to become a graphic designer and left photography to the professionals. It wasn’t until I retired that I returned to photography.
AZPA: What are your thoughts on the Theme Gallery for AZPA?
BW: I really enjoy how the process of selecting and submitting images for a theme challenges me to see my work differently.
AZPA: What was your process in selecting your image(s) for “Silence?”
BW: Selecting this image was deeply personal, so I worried whether it would resonate with others as it did with me. The morning after my mom passed, I found my dad sitting on the side of his bed in complete stillness for what felt like hours. Later, he told me that one of the hardest parts of living without her was the silence. That moment stayed with me, making this image an obvious choice.
AZPA: What are your thoughts on being the winner for the theme “Silence”?
BW: Being recognized for this deeply personal image means so much to me. The entire process has encouraged me to be more intentional, even before I pick up my camera.