UNMC Off The Clock – In focus with Kris Hammond

Life slows down for Kris Hammond when she picks up her camera.

The blurred images of the daily rush become clear as the UNMC human resources information technology associate focuses in on them with her camera.

A photographer for about nine years, Hammond has displayed her work in several exhibits around Omaha, including a show that will be on display at La Casa Restaurant through Memorial Day Weekend.

Below, Hammond, who prefers to shoot nature photography, discusses her work, the rewards it brings and the experiences it has given her.

I started taking photographs about nine years ago. I got my first ‘good’ camera then to take pictures of birds to document birds caught while assisting a friend with banding of birds. Then, I had to learn to use this camera and developed an interest in nature photography.

What do you like to shoot and why?

I prefer to shoot nature photography and going out to find things that might be passed by as we drive down the interstate too quickly to really ‘see’ what is out there.

What do you enjoy about photography?

I like photography because it forces me to slow down and really take a look around. Looking at all the corners of the frame, checking if a different perspective on a scene would have more interest — things like that. My goal with almost all of my photographic work is to capture a sense of peace in my ever-more chaotic life.

When did you do your first exhibit? What was that like?

I had my first big exhibit about two years ago when a professional photographer friend invited me to share studio space for one of the Old Market Gallery Crawls. I remember being nervous and excited. I had sent out some postcards inviting some friends to stop by to see the show and hoping that the prints I had selected were ‘worthy’ of public display. It was gratifying to have my friends and family show their support for me, and still is, for that matter.

How many exhibits have you done?

I’ve been in the Old Market Artists gallery of the lower level of the passageway in the Old Market for more than 18 months and I’ve had two featured-artist shows there. My work is always on display, but every month, we pick a different artist to be ‘featured’ and they get a little bit of special treatment.

In any case, I like to do my shift at the gallery and visit with the people who come through. We get people from all over the world coming through, and it’s gratifying to talk with them, especially when they’re interested in my work. This has been a wonderful experience for me to become acquainted with other art forms as well.

Describe the coolest experience you have ever had as a photographer.

My coolest experience as a photographer without a doubt was photographing Antelope Canyon outside of Page, Ariz. The experience was very spiritual for me. Seeing how the water scoured the sandstone into wonderful, graceful shapes, seeing the sun bounce down through the cavern, changing to a most amazing warm orange light — it was faith-renewing. Usually when photographing, you can shoot 100 shots, and get one or two decent images. On that trip, I shot four rolls of film and only had three or four throw-away shots. It was an awe-inspiring experience for me.

What are your goals for your photographic future?

My goals for my future are kind of hard to pin down. I never set out to be a professional photographer. I liked watching birds and met a bird bander. I got the camera to photograph birds in-the-hand and started learning about photography. I joined a local camera club and got some instruction and confidence. I met a professional photographer and asked for some feedback on my work. Then, I was asked to join a gallery cooperative. It’s all about connections and everything is connected.

So I guess, my goals for photography involve travel. My current favorite places to photograph are in the U.S. desert southwest but I’d love to travel and do some tropical photography, whether it is one some island, or down in Belize, where I could also get in some good birdwatching, or over in Europe, which makes all of our old buildings look new. Photographing petroglyphs in Utah and Arizona also ranks high on my list of just plain neat experiences. I’m so thankful for my job and benefits here at UNMC, which gives me a wonderful vacation package and the financial ability to support my photography habit!