Axel’s to feature Photography Shoot-Out winner’s images
January 6, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout When Axel’s Frame Shop and Gallery on Stowe Street reopens after its holiday break this week, a fresh exhibit will mark a debut for Waterbury resident and amateur photographer Sherry Knudsen.
Sunflower by Sherry Knudsen, winner of Axel's 2023 Photography Shoot-Out
A collection of Knudsen’s images will be on view through March 2, the culmination of her decision to enter the gallery’s annual Photography Shoot-Out contest in the fall.
Gallery owner Whitney Aldrich describes Knudsen’s path to her first show in the exhibit announcement: “Imagine this: You have loved taking photographs your entire life and with the encouragement of your friends decide to enter one of them to a local competition thinking there was no way you would win. And then you do. You win First Prize and now have the chance to fill the gallery with your favorite images of your life’s journey.”
Knudsen has chosen a collection of her favorite shots to share in her first exhibit, which is the top prize in the annual contest. The winner also gets to choose the theme for the next year’s competition.
Recently retired, Knudsen shared some thoughts on her photography hobby. “Taking photos helps me to bear witness to the world around me. It encourages me to see and appreciate my surroundings more closely – to observe, absorb, and capture moments of awe and beauty, of curiosity and interest, of details and perspectives that I might otherwise overlook. It adds an element of learning, peace, and mindfulness to my own experience,” she explained.
Geraniums on yellow wall by Sherry Knudsen
Knudsen’s contest-winning photo is a closeup of a sunflower. “I’m drawn to tight shots and details, to black and white photography, and to images that tell a story – a glimpse into other people’s lives and experiences,” she said. “If there’s such a thing as a ‘next life,’ I would want to pursue a career as a documentary or photo journalist.”
After years of working with film, Knudsen said she’s now enjoying creating digital photos. “I enjoy the challenge of composing and creating photos with my camera precisely as I want them to be, with minimal editing. My process stems from many years of using a manual OM1 film camera – sometimes making prints in my basement darkroom. However, I am learning to embrace the creative opportunities of digital photography,” she said.
Raised in Northfield, Knudsen lives in Waterbury Center. After earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Bates College, she spent 10 years with an international airline. She eventually returned to Vermont and worked for 35 years in nonprofit fundraising.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. Knudsen will give a short talk and will announce the theme for this year’s Photography Shoot-Out. The free event will include light snacks and refreshments.
More information online at axelsgallery.com.
London Eye by Sherry Knudsen