Capturing Buffalo: The Selected Photos

Capturing Buffalo Blog - Jack Dunbar - CEPA Gallery - Buffalo NY

Capturing Buffalo: The Selected Photos

Written by Sharon F. Cramer, Ph.D.

In May, 2019, we held two pilot sessions of “Capturing Buffalo,” opportunities designed by photographers for photographers. In addition to seeing and taking photographs of fascinating architecture, the 20 participants learned stories of the neighborhood’s history. The participants came away from their investment of time and money with an appreciation of the Cottage District of Buffalo, and how to deliberately examine, and then capture, architectural detail.

Matthew Digati, an outstanding architectural photographer, helped all reconceptualize their routine ways of studying buildings. He offered useful tips, helpful guidance, and feedback on their images. His guidance was designed to inspire and uplift, and he succeeded, as you will see in the images below.

How It Began

In 2013, when I bought my first camera, I fell in love with Buffalo. Photography came into my life in 2010, via an inherited point-and-shoot. I knew nothing about using a camera in 2010, just that I wanted a way to memorialize an overseas trip. When I returned home from that trip, I knew I had found a new and perfect companion. My photography appetite grew, until in 2013, I not only joined the Science Museum Camera Club, but imagined (in an early form) the “Capturing Buffalo” program. I envisioned bringing together photographers who were eager to learn—not only about images, but the stories behind the locations they were traversing.

In 2018, Brad Hahn (Explore Buffalo) and Lauren Tent (CEPA Gallery) agreed to give my idea a try. The May, 2019 results astonished us all—as we all learned, walked, shot our images, we grew in pride for our city, and in enthusiasm for our capacity to share what we were seeing. Learning and shooting, on a beautiful day, in the company of like-minded people, after munching on breakfast and lunch, getting respectful and helpful feedback on how to make future images better—who could ask for more?

Lauren Tent
lauren@cepagallery.org