Photo of the Month | Joseph Sanders - Palmetto Bella Magazine

Photo of the Month: Joseph Sanders

My journey in portrait photography came in stages that were out of order from what one would typically think. Most of the time, someone will start with taking photos of family and friends, slowly learn the mechanics of the camera, and eventually master the editing techniques needed to produce professional looking headshots. For me, it was quite the opposite.

Starting my freshman year at Williston-Elko High School, I began to explore the world of Adobe Photoshop in my computer graphics class. I liked it so much that I took that same class twice over my four years there just for fun. Once I moved to my new home at the University of South Carolina, I took a photography class on a whim and quickly became enthralled in the mechanics of DSLR photography. After many times of going out and taking pictures of bugs, leaves, water, and other natural environments, I realized what was missing for me was human interaction. I began seeking out friends, family, and models to take pictures of, and I instantly fell in love with the art of portraits.

Fast forward to last fall. I had come home to visit my family one weekend and heard that my little brother, Tre’ Sanders, had missed his 4th grade school pictures. Obviously he was upset, so in order to cheer him up, I took him out to Lemon Park in Barnwell, South Carolina to make sure his growth that year was well documented. Little did I know he was such a photogenic young man!

Photo of the Month | Joseph Sanders | Palmetto Bella

Photo Of The Month | RJ Bednez

This tree has survived three major hurricanes and it continues to stand tall and strong on Jekyll Island in Georgia. This image was taken right after Hurricane Matthew just as high tide was coming in. As I was sitting there looking at its reflection in the water, I couldn’t help but think of a poem called “The Tree.” Look at you standing tall and strong like a god or goddess of the clouds. Can you speak? Maybe the message you carry is of nothing to speak about. You have seen it all; your age can only mean your wisdom is immense. Won’t you tell us of what you have seen,

“Going … Going … Gone” | Animal Preservation Through Fine Art

Robert Campbell, Whitney Kurlan, and Camryn Finnan are the featured artists at the upcoming exhibit at the Aiken Center for the Arts. Each artist is well known for wildlife conservation efforts. These artists depict animals as they are rarely seen — in their natural African habitats. “Going … Going … Gone” is the title of the show as well as a not so subtle reminder that many animals are in danger of extinction. This exhibit is intended to bring awareness to the public and to support the efforts of wildlife conservation organizations. It opens February 4 and extends through March 19, 2021. Artist Robert Campbell has created work for the

The Science of Bubbles

Did you know there is a whole science devoted to bubbles? Bubbles, one of the first toys of childhood, are amazing spheres of color, reflection, elasticity, chemistry, light, and geometry. And yet, most of us know them only as fragile, colorful objects that soar into the sky for our amusement. What actually makes a bubble? Very simply, bubbles are gas wrapped in liquid soap. The liquid molecules sandwich the gas between them in tiny compartments. Bubbles have many more uses than you may think. If you’ve ever had a fizzy drink, you know that bubbles can throw tiny particles (aerosol droplets) into the air. Scientists also know that the bursting

Destiny Woodard | Photo of the Month

I think “The Strength is in Her Crown” is my best image. Most of my collaborative work focuses on the inner beauty of women, and this image is an interpretation of inner beauty. The image took on a character of embracing God’s authority in women’s lives and finding their strength in His identity. By taking away the distraction of color, turning it into black and white, I am able to focus on the meaning behind the overall image, where her strength lies. When we were taking this image, it happened in the most random spot of a house, but that one spot brought magic. This will be one of my