“Sometimes I dream up photos, stage ideas in my head, imagine post-production … and wait, often for a long time, for the right model, location or moment,” explains photographer Debbie Wolf, whose photograph, “Early Morning Ritual,” was awarded “Best of Show” in the 2024 Phillips’ Mill Photographic Exhibition. “Other times, the inspiration comes in the ‘sigh’ and the ‘gasp’ moments. I see something that I am so taken by … its beauty … its brilliance … or its creativity … that I literally gasp or sigh out loud,” she says.
This was the third time Wolf submitted a piece to the prestigious exhibition. And the third time she was accepted. She describes work, along with her journey as an award-winning photographer.
Q. What was your inspiration for “Early Morning Ritual”?
Wolf: “Early Morning Ritual” was taken in a sincere “sigh” moment. I may have tweaked this or that, but the woman in the curlers was intent yet serene … and in that moment, I saw the beauty in those pale pink and purple curlers peeking through her perfectly combed strands of hair. (Perhaps I gasped that time rather than a sigh.) I sat on the floor in front of her, and at most, maybe said, “Tip your head down a bit.” It was a stunning vision, and she was a natural.
When I am out with my camera, I am also known to open the car door before the car even stops moving if the driver (often my husband) doesn’t stop fast enough when I ask. I think he’s now picking up on the audible “gasp” thing I do.
Q. What does being in the 2024 Phillips’ Mill Photographic Exhibition mean to you?
Wolf: I am thrilled and honored to be back in again. I have a biased respect for Phillips’ Mill, its reputation and following. People are visiting, and connecting with, Phillips’ Mill for the art, so I am very proud to be part of the community. I very much appreciate the opportunity to reach a larger audience. Although I have received entry into various juried shows in Connecticut, New York and Maryland … and placed, Phillips’ Mill Best of Show is my highest honor! I encourage other photographers to enter this show. It was a bonus that my pieces sold as well!
Q. What or who inspired you to pursue photography?
Wolf: My father (though a PhD of Plant Pathology) was passionate about photography. I liken him to Vivian Maier, but with a heavy emphasis on pictures of diseased plants. He put a darkroom in an interior bathroom in our home, and my fondest memory was of him teaching me to develop prints. He loved to take photos of individuals and always gave them their pictures as a memento of their shared experience. He was also my inspiration for capturing people and friends, and making sure they get a copy.
Q. Any advice to aspiring photographers?
Wolf: Once I realized I had a passion and calling for this field, I started entering competitions through the Greenwich Art Society and Stamford Art Association. I made connections and like-minded friends through the Stamford Photography Club. Photo Clubs are amazing opportunities for both novice and professional photographers. People are always willing to share their knowledge and support each other. When my family moved to Maryland during the pandemic, I promptly searched for a photography club and found a home in the Arundel Camera Club—another very supportive and kind group of individuals!
Q. Can you recall a moment or an experience that encouraged you to pursue your art?
Wolf: One of my most enjoyable experiences was participating in the Greenwich Art Society’s “Art to the Avenue,” where local businesses host artists’ work in their shops for the month of May. A lovely restaurant in Greenwich, Connecticut, called Bistro Versailles, accepted my work in 2019 and gave me the entire restaurant to display my images. At the end of the event, Bistro Versailles continued to host my work for another year and gave me the freedom to curate my own work. Through my selections that sold via this public exposure, I got a taste of the commercial aspect of photography.
Q. Do you have a favorite camera?
Wolf: Somewhere in my house is every Nikon camera I have ever owned. My first digital Nikon was a gift from my husband. He laughs to this day that I left it sitting unopened in the box for two years before I gave it a try. I couldn’t imagine not printing my images and holding them in my hands. While definitely not an early adopter, I now thoroughly embrace digital photography and all the creative exploration that comes with it. I enjoy the artistic expression that begins with a photograph, and I find any post-production transformation as rewarding as the perfect capture.
Q. The subject in "Swan Lake" (shown right) seems to be floating in space. How did you capture this perfect moment?
Wolf: I waited for almost three years to make my “Swan Lake” image. I knew exactly what the image of the girl diving into the water was going to look like ahead of time. I figured out how tall of a ladder I would need. I even had the dress. I was waiting for the right person who was artistically invested in creating the perfect dive for me while the weather was warm. It was worth it. I love that shot. We took over 800 photos that day before, during and after “the dive.” When we finished, the model asked me to let her look at the photos. She wanted to make sure she had pointed her toes!
Q. Are you noted for a particular style?
Wolf: My style continues to evolve, as evidenced by my interest in more modern compositions, abstracts and techniques like intentional camera movement, but I have collections of nature, reflections and street photography. I love street photography, especially when it’s funny!
Q. Describe your creative process from conceptualization to final product.
Wolf: It is the creative process that drives me the most these days. Back in my darkroom days, the most exciting part of the process was watching the photo appear. Now, with the enormous flexibility of digital technology, I can still dream up an image even after I take the photo.
Q. What are your future aspirations as a photographer?
Wolf: I want to continue to make interesting and unique images that intrigue people. It is important that artists enjoy their work and express themselves freely. I want that too. But the feeling of knowing that someone else can also see the beauty that I see … or relates to a piece of art that I created … is all the motivation I need.
Q. Can you summarize your work in one sentence?
Wolf: Playful and peaceful modern art through photographs
About Debbie Wolf
Debbie Wolf is an Annapolis, Maryland-based photographer, who earned her bachelor's degree in advertising from the University of Texas at Austin. She worked at an ad agency for a couple of years before settling on a career as a Human Resources Director.
Today, Debbie enjoys the artistic expression that begins with a photograph and finds the post-production transformation as rewarding as the perfect capture. She loves traveling with her camera and has a heart for Texas, where she grew up and worked in her first darkroom.
She and her husband, Randy, have two grown children, Madeline, who lives in New York City, and Evan, who lives in Virginia.
