News Release, St. Mary’s Arts Council
Our Monday Spotlight is shining brightly on Carol Davis!
We had the pleasure of connecting with Carol when she won First Prize for our 2018 Art Walk Contest with her photography entry “After the Storm”! We selected her as our Featured Artist for this week not only for her skills behind the camera but for her big heart and desire to help others. Carol’s “can-do” attitude gives her boundless energy to reach for the stars in her professional, personal, and community endeavors.
Carol has had a love of capturing photos since the seventh grade (over 40 years ago!) which developed into a way of life while in high school as a yearbook photographer. Her early inspirations include the work of iconic photographer Ansel Adams, the storytelling of Norman Rockwell, and the beautiful landscapes of the west coast.
While growing up her interest bloomed as a shadow artist, one who watched from afar and experimented snapping images under various lighting, settings, and time frames. As an artist paints with a brush, Mrs. Davis used her camera to create and capture images and memories from the perspective of curiosity and explorations.
As the years progressed her subjects transitioned to family members and then eventually into her current portrait studio business (Your Journey Studios) which she had long hoped and dreamed of having. Together with her husband Tom, the studio has become popular for a diverse set of sessions offered including timeless senior pictures, epic sports photos, family and business-focused portraits, and of course the “Ultimate Santa Experience”. Complete with “magic dust”, milk and cookies, a phone call to the North Pole to speak with the Head Elf, and of course a real-live Santa, these sessions have grown to be one of their most sought after services during the holiday season.
Besides spending time behind the camera, other interests of Mrs. Davis include serving as a member of the National Professional Photographers Association, the St. Clements Hundred (chartered to protect and preserve the lighthouse on St. Clement’s Island), volunteering as a Facilitator of the Gals Lead Program for the Dream Queen Association of Chopticon High School, and most recently being elected as the President of the local Talk of the Town Toastmaster’s Club.
Carol and Tom Davis jointly run the Southern Maryland chapter of Help Portrait, whose mission is to empower photographers, hairstylists, and makeup artists to use their skills, tools, and expertise to give back to their local community.
As a published author of “The Rebuilding of the Blackistone Lighthouse” book, Carol enjoys both storytelling and journaling. She also has begun coaching and inspiring others on Embracing Your Journey through the Facebook group of the same name, hosting podcasts and workshops, coaching calls and zoom meetings.
Ultimately Carol’s largest joys come from her immediate and extended family, of which includes two grown children (Mike and Emily) and four precious grandchildren as well as many others which also includes longtime friends both near and far.
Shine on Carol, we love seeing your beautiful photos, the happiness that they bring to people when you capture their memories, and appreciate you for your many contributions to our community!
To learn more about our featured artist visit www.YourJourneyStudios.com and also @YourJourneyStudios on Facebook and Instagram!