'Kids of the World' on display at Storrs Library

Date: 5/29/2012

May 28, 2012

By Matt Murphy

mmurphy@thereminder.com

LONGMEADOW — A photographer will allow the community a chance to see the world and its inhabitants through an extremely personal lens.

Longmeadow resident Amy Dane has traveled all over the world, camera in hand, and will be exhibiting her photographs focused on children around the globe at Storrs Library this summer.

"No matter where I travel and what landscape, art, or architecture I witness, it's the people who never cease to fascinate me. I'm not afraid to get 'up close and personal.' The face tells its own story and at the same time, reveals the pulse of the society," Dane said.

Since the age of 13, Dane has traveled extensively. She has visited more than 90 countries, and the list is still growing.

Dane said, "It's not a vacation, traveling is very hard. It's not just airports and luggage, sometimes I have to pitch a tent in the middle of the desert [as in Chad this past fall]. You have to love it.

"People always as me, 'How can you want to do this?' And I answer, 'How can you not?' It's a labor of love, no question," she continued.

Being a photographer was not Dane's original intention. She is a self-described "travel-addict" and works as a part-time travel agent for Great Dane Travel and Travel Companion affiliate. It was not until a friend saw her photographs at her home and suggested she share them.

"I always set out for travel, but the camera is a part of that, they're intertwined, and I never go without it. There was only time that I did not bring my camera on a trip, and I was extremely unhappy," Dane said.

She enjoys sharing her experiences by giving culturally informative presentations about her travels and exhibiting her photography at libraries, hospitals and galleries. Her entry won "Best in Show" in February at the Friends of the Agawam Public Library's second Open Juried Photography Show.

"Cheering for Children: Photos of Kids Worldwide" by Dane will be exhibited at the Richard Salter Storrs Library, 693 Longmeadow St., through Aug. 15 to coincide with the library's summer reading program entitled "Dream Big." The public is invited to a reception on July 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The exhibition will be in the Betty Ann Low meeting room of the library.

"I have never considered myself a photographer because I use a very simple, easy-to-use and easy-to-carry camera that requires no skill. Over time, however, I've noticed that my compositions and ability to capture personality of my subjects has really improved. I hope to encourage anyone who loves to take pictures because with time one develops an eye for what you want and how to go about getting it," Dane said.

For more information, visit www.amydaneadventures.com.