Mike Donovan has been taking pictures for about 35 years. He started with a black and white photography class in college, which led him to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Photography from the Harrisburg Community College. He sells prints and note cards of his work, and also has published two books for children and a book of photographs taken in Europe. His work can be viewed at his website, www.mikedonovanphotography.com.
How did you first become interested in photography?
I took a black and white photography class as one of my art classes in college. I really liked the immediacy of photography. I also liked that once it was time to print, there was also a hands-on side to it. I liked the fact that it had both sides of the coin.
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education and spent 33 years teaching third and fourth grade. I have a Master’s Degree in what was then called Instructional Communications. I learned to do slide-tape presentations, take photographs, make short films, run a TV studio, and create audio-visual aids for the classroom. Now, most of the machines that we used are found in antique shops. After I started teaching, I began to take photography classes at our local community college (Harrisburg Area Community College). I finally earned my Associate’s Degree in Visual Arts-Photography. That program opened my eyes to all that is encompassed in photography. I studied studio, history, materials and processes, color photography, black and white photography, and also had to take regular art classes. It was the best thing I could have done to help my photography.
What is an average day at work like for you and what types of projects are you currently working on?
When I am not photographing, I find myself spending quite a bit of time at the computer. I print most of my own work so that takes quite a while. I also print note cards and have two bird books for children available on Blurb. I also have a book of photographs from Europe available. I am also scanning my old slides into digital form. That is a major project. I also do some local arts and crafts shows so I need to produce new things from year to year. I am also doing a few programs for our library so I am busy with PowerPoint.
What do you like most about your job?
I love the fact that when I return from a trip or a day of photography with a memory card full of images, I have moments in my hand. It still amazes me that I am able to bring actual moments of time home with me in my camera. I love that I am able to share those moments with others.
What advice do you have for others who are interested in pursuing a career in this profession?
Take classes or workshops. It is important to know the craft of photography. That is what allows you to delve into the art. Then you can put your eye to work. I actually read the manual that comes with my camera. The camera is the way that you capture the moments. It is important to know how to use it. Then your eye can guide you. I might also suggest that you make some donations of your work to local fundraisers to help get your name and work out there. Good Luck.
