Gwinnett Daily Post

A photography exhibition consisting of 30 pieces by seven area photographers will be on view at Duluth's Chocolate Perks beginning June 1 and continuing through the end of the month. The exhibition is the product of local photographer and Duluth Fine Arts League Board member Mary Buck.

Chocolate Perks Cafe is located at 3160 Main St. in Duluth just across from City Hall and the Duluth Town Green Park.

Mary Buck has been a photographer since 1975, and a professional photographer since 1995. Her business, Lightscapes Photographic Artwork, has been busy teaching the craft of photography. When the recession hit several years ago, Buck found a new market in teaching adults the art form. In 2011, she had more than 400 students in her classes and has now grown from beginner classes to classes in Photoshop and in lighting.

"I saw so much talent within the groups taking classes that I decided to have an exhibit featuring the works of my top students," Buck said. "Each student brings a little bit of their own style into the exhibition."

There is no particular theme to the exhibition, and photographs will be on sale for prices ranging from $100 to $350. There will also be an opening reception on June 1 from 7 to p.m.

"Each photographer submitted six pieces of their work. Then they had to choose their favorite four pieces," Buck said.

Photography includes a variety of subject matter and techniques, ranging from underwater photography to vivid landscapes, surreal images shot with film, local scenery, black and white photos, floral images, and even photographs with textures.

Exhibitors include artists from around Gwinnett and beyond. Nancy Wolfe from Cumming specializes in landscape and nature photography.

"I have always been interested in taking pictures, but only recently have I begun taking classes," she said.

Kirk Talgo is from the Northlake Dekalb area.

"My work can best be described as a continuing search for an unusual interplay of color, light and subject captured as sharply as I envision it," Talgo said.

Barbara Cozart lives in Peachtree Corners.

"My photography is calculated spontaneity with a slice of adventure," she said. Cozart aspires to become "an awesome wedding photographer."

Kristin Fuller of Flowery Branch is currently exploring "fun textures" to bring rich depth to her photos. Fuller has had a lifelong interest in photography, and describes herself as being "a hobbyist working towards a possible career."

Terry Chapman is from Lawrenceville and took his very first picture of his mom and dad in 1962 using a Brownie Hawkeye.

Sabrina Jivani is a 16-year-old who is developing "a passion, an eye, and skill for photography." From Lilburn, she attends Woodward Academy.

She said, "I am truly fortunate to have the tools readily available to pursue my passion in this art which I hope to make a career."

Mary Buck will be exhibiting her work as well. Buck is a portrait photographer but has a passion for flowers. Her fine art floral line is titled "Message in a Petal" and will be on display at the exhibition.

For more information, email Mary Buck at marybuck1@bellsouth.net

Holley Calmes is a freelance writer and public relations consultant specializing in the arts. Email her at hcalmes@mindspring.com.