A conversation with Carla Christina Contreras: Part 3

Why do you take pictures?

Expression – pure creative expression – I like to capture something in a way that the average person didn’t even notice. Everything about my world is “visual” – when it comes to recalling what I’ve seen, there is no better way then to photograph it. I want to share it with every body, I want you to see what you may have missed. I want to see things close up and personal – my style of photography is going in to the detail and capturing the detail that the naked eye cannot see. When I am inspired by something I see I take a picture of it. I LOVE the instant gratification that photography allows me – especially now with the digital age.

Picture credit: "Madame, I'm Yours"

Click here to learn more about this horse photograph

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAINTING FOR YOUR SPACE

Not only is choosing art a very personal decision, it needs to be somewhat practical as well. The article, "Choosing the right painting for your space," gives readers a few points to consider when selecting artwork for a wall.

A conversation with Carla Christina Contreras: Part 2

Where did you learn your technique?

I truly believe my background in film and television has much to do with my technique. Cinematography was introduced to me at an early age by my father (a film and television Key Grip), I would go to the set with him early in my childhood to watch and meet the actors on the set, and get to observe them doing their jobs. But it wasn’t just the actors that interested me – I loved watching the gaffer adjust light, the director working with the actors, the script girl keeping up with continuity, etc. etc. etc. Details became my thing – and again, I’m sure that influenced my style.

Picture credit: "Highland Cooo"

Click here to learn more about this cow art image

A conversation with Carla Christina Contreras: Part 1

How did you get started?

I can’t remember not having a camera in my hands… Being a professional Actor, I believe most of my background comes from the perspective of cinematography. I have spent many days/hours/weeks on film and television sets while growing up in Hollywood, watching the production crew work at their individual craft. I was eleven years old when I was on the Walton’s; I remember taking pictures on the set of this and that… always intrigued by all the detail a production goes into for realism. I have had a camera in my hot little hands [with thought clarity] since I about 1971.

Picture credit: "American Beauty"

Click here to learn more about this horse photograph

Monday's agriculture website of interest: AG - IT'S NOT JUST A JOB, IT'S AN ADVENTURE!

For those new to the Cow Art and More blog, we feature an agriculture themed website with our readers every Monday.

Today's agriculture website of interest is the "Ag -It's not just a job, it's an adventure!" blog maintained by Janice Person. Janice was not raised on a farm, but had the opportunity to explore agriculture journalism while in college. She has kept her position within the agriculture industry and blogs about her "new life". The best part of Janice's blog is getting to know the farmers and people she meets as a part of her "everyday adventures."

Carla Christina Contreras featured artist for January

This month's featured artist is photographer Carla Christina Contreras. Carla captures pictures of cattle, horses and other farm animals on her journeys through Tennessee, her home of recent years. She also has experience as an actress, web designer and children's book author.

Carla's work comes on greeting cards, suitable for framing, or may be purchased as enlargements. She will be answering a series of questions detailing her work and creative processes all month long on the blog. Enjoy free shipping on Carla's art all month!

Make it a great new year!

With the new year upon us, I would like to challenge all the blog readers out there to "Make it a Happy New Year" versus "Have a Happy New Year." I am a "doer" by nature and believe good things come to those who work hard (but a little luck never hurt either). I encourage people to take their knowledge and skills and apply them in just the right way to get where they want to be.

So, how are you going to "Make it a Happy New year"?