Welcome to Squint Photography, whimsical and colorful images by Sonja Quintero!

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Big Tex

September 30th, 2013

Big Tex

The State Fair of Texas is here! One of my favorite times of the year and an excellent time for flexing the good ol' camera muscles!

Read my blog post here:
http://wp.me/p2KdxS-5X

On Being Grateful

July 31st, 2013

On Being Grateful

I'm feeling grateful for being grateful. We could all use it on a daily basis.
Click on the link below to read more of my ramblings on my Wordpress blog, Squintphotographyart

What Inspires You To Create?

June 17th, 2013

What Inspires You To Create?

What inspires you to create? And what do you do when that inspiration seems to have abandoned you?

Click link to read more on Squintphotographyart at Wordpress.

Thanks for checking it out!
Sonja
Squint Photography

The Beauty of Fall

November 5th, 2012

The Beauty of Fall

I always look forward to fall. It is my favourite time of year, since I was a little girl. Fall has been late to arrive here in North Texas - making only a brief, teasing appearance a few weeks ago then leaving me just as quickly and hungry for more.

Fall please come back!

I did see some evidence this morning during my morning run. The nights are getting cooler, but the days are quite warm - causing the leaves to start turning, so beautiful! We don't always have the vibrant colors that the east coast sees, but we do have some trees that surprise us.

This has spurred me on to take a quick trip to East Texas in the next few days. Can't wait to see what colors I'll find!

Happy fall everyone!
Sonja Quintero

Finding Faith in Film

September 24th, 2012

Finding Faith in Film

Although I don't use film as much as I used to, I still have faith in it.

I have faith in it's power. It's what attracted me to photography in the first place. There was nothing more magical to me than watching that image come alive as it sat in the developer. Would it be all you hoped for? Would it disappoint? Would it surprise? There was rarely instant satisfaction. It was always a work in progress, something to coddle and coo into a vision.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Lightroom and Photoshop and my digital SLR, but it does sometimes lack that anticipation, that mystery.

I am hoping that those who've grown up with digital will give film a shot (no pun intended!) In a world of multi-tasking and ADD, I hope people can slow down and appreciate what it takes to make a film print. I suppose it can be a matter of faith. Faith in the film, faith in your abilities and faith that all good things come to those who wait!

Go out and have some fun with film!

Sonja
Squint Photography

Non Conformity at Any Age

September 14th, 2012

Non Conformity at Any Age

Why does it seem like most people think non-conformity is only for the young? It should be for everyone, regardless of age, sex, or nationality.

I found that as I get older I'm not following that stereotype. And it's not like I'm necessarily doing it on purpose, it's just happening to me. Naturally as I age. I find the past 10 years I've become more open-minded, more liberal, more excited to try and do new things. I recently dyed my hair blue - something I've wanted to do since I was a child. I'm so in love with it. I would love to keep it like this all the time!

I know this may not have anything to do with photography, it's just what was on my mind today. Maybe it can relate in the fact that I decided to take a risk w/ photography. Decided to make it career, even after all those years of studying and working in the Interior Design field. I made the decision, despite some people who discouraged me.

And I also dyed my hair, despite many people saying I was crazy!!

Yes, crazy in my new "old" life!! :)

Have a wonderful Friday everyone!

Sonja

Flea Marketing

September 7th, 2012

Flea Marketing

Good Friday everyone!

I've been eagerly awaiting for this crazy Texas heat to let up so that I can go flea marketing. I have always loved to rummage through old things since I was a child. My mom would take me with her on early morning garage sale hunts and I would dig through cast offs like it was buried treasure! Nowadays I still love vintage and antique pieces. I don't really have any set collections of my own, but I just love to pick up whatever tickles my fancy.

Since picking up a camera I've started to notice the great textures and colors that you can find at flea market and antique mall displays. Colorful glass, worn dolls, tattered postcards - all make wonderful interesting compositions.

So the next time you head out to your local flea market, thrift store or antique mall hoping to discover a tossed Van Gogh, take a moment to really see the hidden treasure, admire the shapes, colors and patterns - you just might find a cool image to capture somewhere in there!

Happy shooting!
Sonja

Being a Photographer

September 5th, 2012

Being a Photographer

This is my first blog entry, EVER. Have mercy on me. :)

After 15 years of working as an interior designer, I decided to take a leap of faith. A big one. I decided it was time to dedicate my attention to a true passion. Photography.

From the moment I purchased my first SLR (a Minolta which I quickly upgraded for a Nikon) I knew I was getting into something special. When i saw my first print come to life in the darkroom, the smell of developer cutting the air, I knew this would become my new life. There was nothing quite like it. I could lose myself for hours in a darkroom, and still never get enough. I actually came to love the smell of those chemicals. Weird, I know.

My subjects of focus were always detailed shots, things I think noone else noticed, or cared to. I took photos of cracks in the pavement, shadows behind chairs and corners of big buildings. I loved shooting in black and white, color was mostly just delegated to people shots. Details were best in b&w.

Over the years my subjects have developed and broaden. I love cemeteries and abandoned places and things. I work mostly in digital now. Only because I can't seem to scrounge up the space for a dark room! Well, also because I do some architectural photos as well and that (and clients) demand the digital media.

I continue to learn so much about photography. I took some courses here and there, but am mostly self taught. I did have the help and advice of some great photographers I've met along the way. I have to say, photographers are some of the nicest and most generous people I've ever met. Through my years as a designer, I never encountered the same desire to share knowledge. Many designers are so secretive of their sources and very tight-lipped about their tricks. The opposite could be said of most of the photogs I know. Everyone is more than happy to tell what they know.

I am so proud and excited to begin a full time career as a Photographer. The journey is sure to be exciting!

Sonja