Artistic Statement:
Having grown up in East Baltimore, I have
a sentimental, nostalgic love for the Neighborhood. I was so blessed
to have grown up in the small town of Fells Point in a time when
it would take 4 hours to walk 4 blocks because you stopped to chat
with friends and neighbors along the way.
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Anna M. Santana - Self Portrait [2004]
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Everyone knew everyone - from Little Italy
to Greek Town. Over the years I have watched the neighborhood grow
and change. The photographs I make
reflect the hometown feeling I always knew, incorporating the
old and the new. Most of my photographs everyone can recognize.
I photograph the everyday things. Things you may pass by every
day, have never stopped to notice the details of. I want to show
you those details... the little things that make East Baltimore
unique. I want to pass on the small town feeling I have for the
neighborhood through my photographs.
I put my heart into each photograph I make. Making each image
involves a process of creative thought and waiting for just the
right moment. I love chasing the shots... chasing the light, and
I carry a camera with me at all times just in case. Some images
happen in an instant, others have taken a year or more to capture,
and still others have taken a lifetime. I have dozens of potential
photographs in my head at any given time - all waiting for just
that right moment to capture.
In terms of equipment, I mostly use a Nikon D 200 a digital SLR
with Nikon lenses.
I do not alter my images digitally in any way, except in the most
extreme circumstances. The only time I would ever consider digitally
altering in images is if the image cannot be re-shot. In all but
a few images, what you see is what I captured.
Experience:
Anna M. Santana is a professional color
print maker. She has been printing for professional photographers
and managing photo labs in Baltimore for more than 20 years. Like
some of the world's best photographers, Anna learned her craft
not in a classroom, but rather through practical study and experimentation
because of her love for the art of photography.
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Anna's Mentor - Baltimore photographer
Thomas C. Scilipoti
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Anna's mentor is master photographer Thomas
C. Scilipoti, a lifelong East Baltimore resident. Tom has won
countless awards and honors. His photographs have appeared in
numerous publications, and he has been a contributing photographer
to the East Baltimore Guide for more than 50 years. Mr. Scilipoti
owned and operated Thomas Studio a Studio/Lab at 1804 Eastern
Ave. for more than 47 years.
Another photographer who had great influence on Anna was Baltimore
photographer A.
Aubrey Bodine [1906-1970]. Mr. Bodine was a photojournalist/pictorialist
who had a remarkable eye for detail. He was a master photographer
and print maker. Bodine's amazing and inspiring images of Baltimore
compelled Anna to pursue a career in photography.
Anna is a proud member of the Baltimore
Camera Club. The BCC is the oldest Camera Club in the country,
and it offers a wealth of information to all. Members are always
willing share their knowledge through programs, competitions and
critiques. It is photographers of all ages and experience levels
helping other photographers. Anna values the experience and education
she's gained through her BCC membership, noting that her BCC colleagues
are some of the best photographers she's met as well as the finest
people. Thomas Scilipoti and A. Aubrey Bodine were also both members
of the BCC.
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