Mornings at Lake Casitas

Mornings at Casitas

Meet Terri Laine: Rower and Photographer

Two years ago, Terri Laine signed up for a Lake Casitas learn-to-row with the encouragement of a friend and her husband, Alex. She discovered a sport that challenged her on a physical and intellectual level—and a place that inspires her artistic vision. Terri began photographing mornings at Lake Casitas and posting her pictures to the club’s Facebook page. Over the past 18 months, a stunning portfolio of images has emerged.

View a gallery of Terri’s favorite photos here. Below, read her comments on photography, the lake and her newfound love of rowing.

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Q&A with Photographer Terri Laine

Q. How long have you photographed Lake Casitas?
A. I started photographing it about 1 1/2 years ago and now it’s an obsession. LOL!

Even though most of my photos are taken from the same vantage point, I love the challenge of showing another aspect of it. Each sunrise is unique and shows me another face of Casitas. My challenge is to capture the uniqueness of the day. I also look forward to inclement weather as that affords me the elements of a great photo. A nice day is boring photographically.

Q. How long have you been into photography?
A. I started working for my dad when I was 10 and processed film for him and printed photographs for his business. I received my degree in photography from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.

Q. What camera do you use? And do you edit your photos?
A. I use a waterproof point and shoot Lumix. Since I also row I’m not really supposed to be taking photos so need to keep it a bit discreet. I keep the editing to a minimum. The lake is beautiful just the way it is.

Q. Do you have tips for other photographers?
A. Lakes, sunrises, sunsets are pretty by their nature and you can always get a nice photo, but the difference between a nice and great photo is composition, having a specific point of interest, and use of color and depth. You don’t need a fancy camera; you don’t need a big lens but you need to understand your tool (your camera) and how to make it work for you.

Q. What do you like about rowing?
A. I love that it’s a sport that engages every part of your body including your mind. It’s a very cerebral sport in many ways and I love the nuances of it. Rowing is surprisingly difficult to master and I love the challenge. I also love the tranquility of the lake and the wildlife. When I’m rowing the rest of the world takes a backseat.

Q. What time do you get up in the morning?
A. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays I’m up at 5:30 and looking forward to the day. I love that by 8:30 a.m. I’ve already done this amazing thing that no one can take away from me no matter how the rest of the day goes.

Q. Favorite quote?
A. You don’t take a good photograph, you make it.” – Ansel Adams

By Barbara Hoyt for Casitas Rowing 

Also see:

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