Spotlight: Views of Carbon County

One Palmerton native is using her craft to magnify the beauty of nature in Carbon County.

After looking through her grandfather’s box camera, Lynn Shupp knew she wanted to capture the world through a different perspective. She confirmed her passion while studying photography at The Art Institute of Philadelphia.

At The Art Institute, Shupp needed to photograph two chairs that were placed in a certain position. She could not move the chairs, but needed to use the elements around her to make her shot stand out — that was her moment of realization on photography.

“They were boring chairs, and you had to make them interesting. For me, that was the moment that made me understand everything photographed can and should have a voice,” Shupp said. “Because of that, my work is different because I put a little of myself in every image I create.”

Consumed by city life, Shupp realized she wanted to go back to her hometown roots.

In 1997, she opened her studio Photography by Lynn in Palmerton. Nearly 23 years later, Shupp uses the local landscapes, people and abandoned places as her canvas.

“I fall in love with the story. Every person, place, object has a story and it’s my job to tell it visually, so I honestly can’t pick a favorite,” Shupp said. “History is important to me because it’s our and from there we build. Because things can change in a blink of an eye, I don’t want them lost.”

As a storyteller through photography, Shupp’s work has been displayed in multiple locations throughout the state including the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania State Capitol, Palmerton Library and the Lehigh County Nature Center.

Recently, she decided to showcase her work in at an environmental center that strives for natural presence in the local area.

“Carbon County has a lot of beautiful views and places to get lost in nature,” Shupp said. “We live in a beautiful area, and I don’t want that appreciation lost of what makes us special.”

The photographer among other local artists will display their art mediums in “Views of Carbon County” at the Carbon County Environmental Education Center on Jan. 18.

Shupp’s pieces have been on display at CCEEC since November, but wanted to include additional artists in the exhibit.

Additional local arts include Sarah Binder, Paula Zelienka, Carla Binder, Jyneal Green, Duane Costenbader, Alanna Sterner, Mary Anne Shafer, Debbie Taylor, Lucy Freck, Jeannie Carl and Stacey Hines.

“We live in an area of beauty, talent and worth. I wanted to be able to share my artist reception with other local artists for them to show the beauty they create and have an event the public could come enjoy and maybe take a piece home with them to enjoy,” she said. “Locals supporting locals is how small town America exists and can have that special feel that a city can’t.”

The exhibit will include photography, jewelry, wood burned pieces, pastels, oils, acrylic, upcycled pieces, gourds, hand painted signs and more. The pieces will be available for purchase.

There will be additional information on the Carbon County Arts Foundation, Carbon County Arts League, Palmerton Photography Club and CCEEC.

The free event is from noon to 3 p.m. Two walking trails will be open for visitors.

“With as crazy as life is today for a lot of people, nature can calm the soul and allow you to refocus. We see vast images of nature as we drive around, but it’s the bits and pieces that usually the time is never made to see,” she said.