Rebecca Burt, Life Sciences Instructor
An instructor of Life Sciences on the Beatrice Campus, Rebecca's
photo "Parallels" was published in Volume 14, and three more will
appear in the upcoming Volume 15. Rebecca has been an avid
supporter of Illuminations throughout the years, and she was happy
to talk with us about her interest in photography, the creativity
of scientists, and why Illuminations matters.
Illuminations: You will have had photographs published in two
volumes of Illuminations come spring. What is it you enjoy
about photography? What are your favorite subjects and why?
Rebecca: I enjoy taking photographs because it allows a moment
to be captured. My favorite photographic subjects are things found
in nature, which is most likely due to the fact that I really enjoy
being outdoors. Trees are a particular favorite photographic
subject, and I also love to photograph old buildings. Additionally,
I really like to find and photograph lichens, the incredible
fungus/algae symbiotic combination often found growing on
trees.
I: You are an instructor of Life Sciences on the Beatrice
campus. The general perception is that scientists are not all that
creative. This is a generalization, of course, but do you tend to
agree or disagree and why?
R: I have generally found fellow scientists to be analytical,
methodical, and not particularly natively creative. (I would
certainly say the same thing about me!). However, nearly every
fellow scientist with whom I've crossed paths strives to add
creativity to his or her realm, whether it's through music,
writing, painting, or photography.
I: We appreciate your participation in Illuminations.
As an instructor, what do you see as the value of a publication
like Illuminations for SCC students?
R: Illuminations provides wonderful opportunities for
SCC students, staff, and faculty to share their works of poetry,
prose, photography, etc. with others in the SCC community and
beyond. We are fortunate to have such a fine publication at
Southeast Community College.
I: You mentioned in your Volume 15 bio that you love to read.
What do you enjoy reading most?
R: I enjoy reading mysteries, biographies, certain poetry, and
current fiction. A few favorite well-known authors include John
Grisham, C. J. Box, and J. A. Jance. And, of course, I enjoy
reading Illuminations!
I: Your photos show interesting perspectives and angles - you
seem to "see" designs that others don't. Does this come naturally
to you, or have you improved your "eye" for photography over the
years?
R: I find the geometric patterns and angles found within nature
to be extremely intriguing. I believe that my observation of design
and perspective is innate and that it stems from a long-standing
interest in and appreciation for mathematics and geometric
shapes.
I: What advice would you give to beginning photographers?
R: I still view myself as a beginning photographer, but here are a
few suggestions I could offer: take multiple photographs of the
same scene with a slightly varied position, zoom, etc. each time.
It's surprising how often a certain one really stands out. Also, if
I may put in a "plug" for SCC Continuing Education, I would highly
recommend enrolling in the series of photography classes in order
to gain a solid understanding of lighting, framing, and other
aspects of photography.