Story by Patricia Hudson –
As journalists, the daily perusal of social media Facebook sites often produces potential story lines. A recent venture into the Cypress Photography FB page, this editor was mesmerized by the majesty of the Union Pacific Railroad Big Boy, captured through the lens of a camera. I wanted to know more about the talented photographer, Rose Poole.
Rose and her husband, Radney, moved to the Bridgeland community in late 2009. “I have been a volunteer with 4-H for over 16 years. I also contribute as a volunteer in the neighborhood for groups such as the Bridgeland Garden Club and Bridgeland Community Supports Veterans, Inc. as well as area non-profit groups.”
The Poole’s 18-year-old daughter, Ruth, is a 2021 graduate of Bridgeland High School; she will be attending college at Lone Star this fall. “She had decided not to apply to colleges this year. They all called, asking her to consider them. As a graduate with high honors, apparently, she was on their radar. She plans to get her basics this year, and study Medical Administration,” shares Rose.
Rose explains the role that photography has played in her life.
When did you first become interested in photography? How has this interest evolved into a business?
I started taking and developing photos when I was in high school. It was one of my 4-H project areas and also took photos for the school newspaper. While at Texas A&M I took many photojournalism classes as part of my degree plan in Agricultural Communications and worked as a part-time photographer for local publications while in school. While working on my master’s program I studied photography as an art class.
Prior to Covid-19, I was employed as a contractor for Kinsmen Lutheran Church as their Communications Director. It was after my contract ended, that I decided to start my photo business. In preparation for taking senior photos of my daughter I decided to start taking more portraits and offered my services in the neighborhood for senior and family portraits and events.
What are your photography subjects?
Just about anything. I do a lot of shooting as a volunteer for events. In addition to portraits, I do sports, real estate and nature photography including our many local and migratory birds.
How do you improve your photography skills?
I practice and challenge myself to try new things. Learning from my successes and failures helps me improve. Besides monitoring online photography groups, I learn from speakers and competitions through the Northwest Houston Photography Club. During the COVID shut down, I spent many hours taking various online courses from top photographers in the country.
Professional photographers are quick to criticize cell phone photography. What is your view of cell phone cameras?
Even my old iPhone 6 has been great for taking photos. I have many great photos that I took with my cell phone. I currently have two of my cell phone photos in a juried art exhibit at Lone Star College in Kingwood. As most know, the best camera is the one you have with you — and it is not always a DSLR with interchangeable lenses but it does the job.
Reminiscing about the past
Although my current camera equipment is heavy, I am actually carrying less gear these days then decades ago when I used to shoot news for the TV station and the camera and the recorder I carried weighted 40-50 pounds together.
Which of your photo shoots has been your favorite?
Astrophotography in Big Bend. Even though this involved shooting all night, it was amazing see the resulting photos of the Milky Way and star trails.
How far would you go for “The Perfect Shot?”
I have negotiated large slimy rocks through the water in the dark to get a sunrise shot, photographed from a plane and helicopter, walked up the Great Wall of China, and climbed to the top of mountains. Recently, I went out early to get a good spot for shooting Big Boy and waited for hours in the heat.
What advice would you give a beginning photographer?
Learn how to shoot in different lighting scenarios. Learn your camera controls, and practice shooting in manual mode. I am currently teaching photography to two young students in my neighborhood and we spend a lot of time talking about the exposure triangle and how changing one setting affects another.
Main Photo by Patricia Hudson. Other photos courtesy Rose Poole Photography
