Viewfinder: Heublein Tower

Viewfinder is a new weekly feature that will highlight photography by Simsbury's amateur and professional photographers. With the help of the Simsbury Camera Club, which will choose the weekly photograph, we hope to explore Simsbury's creative side.

This week's photograph was taken by Catherine Thiem.

About the Photograph

Heublein Tower—I was driving in Simsbury one evening in April 2012 and I noticed the sky had nice light as the sun was starting to set. As I drove along the road, I looked up and saw the Heublein Tower with this amazing blue sky and white puffy clouds. I knew I had to get its picture. This was shot with a Canon Rebel T1i at 300mm, hand held with an aperture of 14, shutter speed of 1/1000 and ISO of 400. What I like about this picture is the incredible blue sky contrasted with red, white and texture of the tower.

About the Photographer

My photography has come a long way in the last three years. I got a Canon SLR for my birthday in 2010, and quickly learned there was more to digital photography than what my old pocket point-and-shoot camera could do. I joined a local camera club, took scores of classes, and worked with seasoned photographers.   

I also began seeing the world around me differently and with greater appreciation, always wondering if that tree, bird, insect, person, or building is worthy of a tap on the shutter button. My photographs have won awards at the local level as well as the New England regional level.  

Photographing the wild animals in Africa, coupled with my lifelong love of dogs and cats, inspired me to launch a Pet Photography business last year.  

Catherine Thiem Photography www.catherinethiem.com

The Simsbury Camera Club is a local group of professional and non-professional photography enthusiasts. Founded in 1955 the club is interested in "enhancing the photographic skills" of members, according to their website.

New members are encouraged to attend meetings on the first Tuesday of every month at the Simsbury Public Library at 7 p.m. and on the third Wednesday of every month at Eno Memorial Hall at 7 p.m. Meeting dates are subject to change. Visit www.simsburycameraclub.com for updated information.