Matt Wetrich, a Carroll County conservationist who lives in Jefferson, used his nature photos as the basis for informal lessons about things like the suckers on tree frogs’ feet the stomach enzymes of turkey vultures, and for more philosophical topics like dealing with challenges and death at a presentation a the Greene County Historical Museum Sunday afternoon. The program, “Inspiring Life with Life,” was hosted by the Tower View Team of Jefferson Matters: Main Street.
Wetrich explained that in his work he is “inspired every day to do beautiful photography.” He job includes regular educational presentations for all ages, and his photos are part of those presentations.
Wetrich sometimes does photography classes, but Sunday he offered only general tips. “The secret of taking good pictures is to have your camera with you,” he said, as he showed photographs he had taken on the drive between work and home. He showed pictures he had taken far from Jefferson and pictures he had taken right outside his back door on W. State St, all of them beautiful and with a story of their own.
He said he first started taking pictures when he was 3 years old, before digital photography. “There was nothing more disappointing than going to pick up your pictures at the pharmacy and seeing what you didn’t get,” he said, and then mentioned the “instant learning” that’s possible with digital photography. “You take a picture and you can see instantly if it worked and learn and make changes from that,” he said.
He encouraged the 40 persons in attendance to keep taking photos. “Photography is like bowling or golf. It doesn’t have to be great to be fun and enjoyable,” he said. He also encouraged people to care for the environment. “We need to protect this place we call home. If we mess up, we don’t get a second chance.”
