Andrew C. Strom says he focuses on the eyes of his favorite subject: animals, where the personality shines through the creature. Whether working with animals or objects, he plays the depth of field, rendering parts of the composition in focus and pinpointing the exact details his photo’s story will tell. He prefers pearlescent paper for his colored images as the surface gloss of the paper captures the details he strives for in the print. His choice changes to canvas when producing the print in black and white as he likes the gritty look the canvas surface adds to the composition.

Andrew’s two biggest challenges are exhibiting and competing in the field of photography. He finds that online competitions can take too long to respond to applicants, and whether online or locally, winning is often more about people’s choice than the consideration of fine art photography quality. Andrew also finds it difficult to get a good source locally for reproducing his photographs because of a lack of transparent pricing or timely quotes.

Perhaps the fact that his uncle photographed birds seeded Andrew’s interest in environmental issues concerning the animals on the planet. Andrew and Heather Nicole, another NAA member and the contact through whom he discovered the NAA gallery will soon be starting a nonprofit organization to promote conservation by sharing the stories of wildlife.  Still working 60-hour weeks, Andrew has four years under his belt in photography now and 1 ½ years in NAA membership, where he is a valued part of the show change team and a strong competitor in the judged shows.