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Hello, hello.  I am Deb Achak and I am delighted to have been invited to join the ViewFinder’s family as a regular contributor.  I am a fine art photographer and filmmaker based in Seattle, WA.  My path as an artist is rather long and winding.  It is my second career —– a delicious mid-life reinvention —– with lots of messy motherhood moments sprinkled in there to keep things interesting.

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Usually when we read an photographer’s bio they talk about getting their first camera when they were very young.  A kindly uncle or benevolent teacher passed one on to them and they haven’t stopped shooting since.

That’s not my story at all.

Are you ready for it? Here goes:  My husband gave me a camera six years ago because I was sick and tired of taking photos of my children with my smart phone.  Yup, it is as unromantic as that and yes it was six years ago.  I mention this because, if you are like me and are new to this medium, I want you to know that you are welcome at the table too.  Whether you were born with a Rolleiflex in your hand or you got a screaming deal on a starter camera at Costco, you are entitled to make art that fills you up.

 

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Photography and filmmaking satisfies my craving for visual beauty, my love of storytelling, and my endless curiosity about the world around me.   I felt it the minute I held my new camera for the first time.   It has also become a means of reflection, meditation and gratitude — things I hadn’t expected to find behind a camera.

 

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One of my favorite things to do is to sit at my desk, alone in my studio, editing a film or photo series  —– a solitary pursuit where I lose all sense of time, often forgetting to eat or drink.

 

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But I also crave community and the generous sharing of ideas, inspiration and encouragement. ViewFinders is just such a platform.  A place to gather and connect whether you were born with a camera in your hand or are bravely readying yourself for your second act.  

I am so pleased to be here.  

xoxo Deb

7 Comments

  1. Hello Deb, so happy you have joined the Viewfinders so I can enjoy your gorgeous photography! What a coincidence, my husband gave me my first camera six years ago too, when I wanted to take nicer photos of my last born, so very similar stories…
    Welcome! xo

  2. These images are stunning — dreamlike and ethereal. So happy to have you joining us. Your words are so true — There are hundreds of ways to find your photopgraphy passion.

  3. I am craving that spectacularly clean white editing space of yours. I think I might never leave!

    Welcome! So happy to have you here with us.

  4. deb…!!!! what a wonderful surprise!! so excited to have you posting here and to know you’ll be sharing on a regular basis!! xo

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