Photographer captures human beauty in Appalachian setting
By Kel Harris
Josh Winstead, 27, points out his favorite places to photograph within Mead's Quarry. His eye is drawn to fallen logs and deep caves for their contrast and natural beauty. He has a trained eye for these commonly overlooked places.
Winstead comes from a fine arts background with an emphasis on drawing and painting. After many years of practice, he finally learned how to compose an image despite what medium it was. Winstead then learned his passion for photography could pay off financially. With this new career choice he immediately got a job at Legends Sports Photography located in Clinton, Tenn. Seeing it as more than just sports photography, Winstead uses his job as an opportunity for photojournalism.
“I decided that this is not only easier of a job than video production, but it’s a more fun and rewarding job working with one frame at a time rather than with thirty frames per second,” said Winstead.
He says that even though he has not won any awards for his photography, self-satisfaction is its own reward.
"What makes him an artist is the fact that he uses his eye to capture the exact moment when his models and his background blend together to make one magnificent piece of art."
- Erica Cornett
Winstead combines the ever-changing appearance of his models with the constant appeal of an Appalachian background. His unusual combination gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “it’s just human nature.”
Many artists within the Appalachian area are familiar with each other’s work. Erica Cornett, 21, uses watercolors to capture the beauty of nature. She has had her paintings displayed at Walter State Community College, and believes that the beauty of the Appalachia should be captured in any type of art, from paintings to photography to music.
“I have seen plenty of [Winstead’s] photography,” said Cornett. “What makes him an artist is the fact that he uses his eye to capture the exact moment when his models and his background blend together to make one magnificent piece of art.”
Cheri Tinney is a resident of East Tennessee. Tinney, 22, gives back to the community by volunteering at various agencies and supporting others who do the same. She believes that Appalachian artists can give back to their community with their art.
“I think that it would be a positive influence on their culture," she said. "It would be educational to the Appalachian society, as far as giving the individuals a more in-depth perception of what Appalachia truly consists of. I applaud him.”
The Appalachia region has a lot to offer an individual in any kind of artistry occupation. Winstead takes full advantage of his natural resources in Appalachia. This is not only to his personal benefit. This is also to the benefit of the Appalachian region and its locals by showing all the natural beauty this region has to offer to the world.
Contact Kel Harris at [email protected].
Josh Winstead, 27, points out his favorite places to photograph within Mead's Quarry. His eye is drawn to fallen logs and deep caves for their contrast and natural beauty. He has a trained eye for these commonly overlooked places.
Winstead comes from a fine arts background with an emphasis on drawing and painting. After many years of practice, he finally learned how to compose an image despite what medium it was. Winstead then learned his passion for photography could pay off financially. With this new career choice he immediately got a job at Legends Sports Photography located in Clinton, Tenn. Seeing it as more than just sports photography, Winstead uses his job as an opportunity for photojournalism.
“I decided that this is not only easier of a job than video production, but it’s a more fun and rewarding job working with one frame at a time rather than with thirty frames per second,” said Winstead.
He says that even though he has not won any awards for his photography, self-satisfaction is its own reward.
"What makes him an artist is the fact that he uses his eye to capture the exact moment when his models and his background blend together to make one magnificent piece of art."
- Erica Cornett
Winstead combines the ever-changing appearance of his models with the constant appeal of an Appalachian background. His unusual combination gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “it’s just human nature.”
Many artists within the Appalachian area are familiar with each other’s work. Erica Cornett, 21, uses watercolors to capture the beauty of nature. She has had her paintings displayed at Walter State Community College, and believes that the beauty of the Appalachia should be captured in any type of art, from paintings to photography to music.
“I have seen plenty of [Winstead’s] photography,” said Cornett. “What makes him an artist is the fact that he uses his eye to capture the exact moment when his models and his background blend together to make one magnificent piece of art.”
Cheri Tinney is a resident of East Tennessee. Tinney, 22, gives back to the community by volunteering at various agencies and supporting others who do the same. She believes that Appalachian artists can give back to their community with their art.
“I think that it would be a positive influence on their culture," she said. "It would be educational to the Appalachian society, as far as giving the individuals a more in-depth perception of what Appalachia truly consists of. I applaud him.”
The Appalachia region has a lot to offer an individual in any kind of artistry occupation. Winstead takes full advantage of his natural resources in Appalachia. This is not only to his personal benefit. This is also to the benefit of the Appalachian region and its locals by showing all the natural beauty this region has to offer to the world.
Contact Kel Harris at [email protected].