Robert (Bob) Erxleben, President of the Light & Lens club, and wife Gayle Erxleben have been members with the Cultural Society’s theatre and photography groups for over a decade. As a husband and wife creative duo they share several interests through nature, travel, dance and visual art. Today they are speaking with us about what led them to photography and the Light & Lens Photography Club.

First of all thank you both for taking time and sharing your story. Can you briefly tell us about yourselves?

Bob: I owned my own businesses in Salem since 1975.  I am a retired Professional Engineer mostly working in the natural gas industry. In addition to Photography, I’ve played competitive racquetball since 1975, competitive paintball, our team play all over the US. I’ve ballroom danced Pro-Am and amateur couple from 2008-2013 at a number of different dance competitions. Gayle and I still dance whenever we get the chance.
Gayle: I’m a retired nurse practitioner with a variety of interest. In addition to photography, I have been a member of the Little Theater Players and played the role of Big Mama in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Clariee in Steel Magnolias. I like creative writing and have a passion for ballroom dancing. I danced Pro-AM competitively from 2003-2013. Bob and I competed as an amateur couple as well from 2008-2013.

You both are active in the Light & Lens photography club with the Centralia Cultural Society.
When did that start and what has that journey been like for the both of you?

Bob: I have had a passion for photography for many years. Started out with B&W film back in the 70s. I think I joined Light and Lens Camera Club in 2010. The club has been a great way to meet people with similar interest and to help them learn more about photography.
Gayle: I’m not sure how long I’ve been a member of Light and & Lens, but I know it’s been more than 10 years. I joined because Bob was active in the club and taking photos was another way for us to be able to do things together.

Lets talk about equipment. Do you share equipment or do you each have a preferred brand? What are you each using today?

Bob: I start out with a Canon and switched to Nikon in 2002.  I’ve probably upgraded my Nikon cameras and lens more than I should had. The only time Gayle uses any of my camera equipment is for long exposures or to use my telephoto lenses.
Gayle: Bob is the person to talk to about equipment. I have used some of his equipment in the past and he purchased cameras for me as gifts; however, I’m more of an iPhone kind of girl.

You have a daughter that is also a photographer. How did that interest come to be shared?

Bob: All three of our daughters’ use their cell phone to take photos. One has made photo albums of all of their vacations while another has used one of my camera’s and her cell phone to take pictures.
Gayle: Between us we have three daughters. I think all three like to take pictures, but each one has a different purpose for their pictures.

Do you plan photography trips together?

Gayle: If the trip is strictly photography, Bob has done most of the planning, e.g., our winter trips to Iceland and Yellowstone. Actually, Bob has done most of the planning for trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Outer Banks, and many of the National Parks. I did help research local photographic guides to take us around Oahu and Venice, Italy.

What has been a favorite experience for you both as photographers?

Bob: I would say entering photo contest. It makes me think, what could I have done to make my photos better.
Gayle: For me the place I enjoyed photographing the most was South America.

Your photographs show a range of subject matter but looks to be mostly of nature and landscapes. Can you talk a little bit about your choice of subject matter and your source of inspiration for it?

Bob: You’re right most of my photos are of landscape and nature. I’ve done macro, long exposures, astrophotography, sports photography and a other types of photography.
Gayle: I think a lot of people take pictures to document places they have visited and help them remember what they did or saw. I’ve done a lot of that as well. What I’m finding today is that I want to capture an image that evokes an emotion. Does what I capture elicit serenity? Do I feel joy, contentment, sad, angry. I don’t want just another pretty picture. I want to feel something. I really like street photography – don’t really want the person to know they are being photographed. I like the honest expressions and how the subject interacts with its surrounding.

What has been a favorite experience for you both as photographers?

Bob: I would say entering photo contest. It makes me think, what could I have done to make my photos better.
Gayle: For me the place I enjoyed photographing the most was South America.

How and why should someone join Light & Lens?

Gayle: While there are videos/tutorials one can watch on the internet, taking part in a club such as Light & Lens allows for questions and answers and offers an opportunity to receive critiques on photos. We will tell you what you did right and what you could have done to make it a better picture. Hands on work shops and field trips build camaraderie and the opportunity to bounce ideas off one another.

What’s the best way for people to see your work?

Bob: Through my own Facebook page, the club’s Facebook page, area photo contests, including the one in November.
Gayle: Our Facebook page is one way to see club photographs. From time to time we display our work before a concert or a show at the Cultural Center. We have an annual photography exhibit and competition in November every year.

Anything you both would like to share?

Bob: Now everyone has their own camera with them, their cell phone. Most people use them to take snapshots. Most newer cell phones can take very good photos and have won photo contests. I am a little worried about IT and how it could affect photography.
Gayle: I’m still amazed when someone says, “Wow, these pictures are amazing! You must have some really good equipment.” It’s not just having equipment. One has to know how to use their equipment and have to know something about composition and lighting. The best camera you can have is the camera you have with you.