Award-Winning Photographer Displays Her Art At the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre

Anyone viewing photographer Carolyn Schlueter's work can clearly see she has a knack for snapping great pictures.

What may surprise people about her work is she has only been taking pictures professionally for a short time.

Schlueter said she has always loved photography and took pictures on her own but said she didn’t know a lot about the elements of photography until she joined the St. Louis Camera Club about three years ago. The local photographer said she has learned a lot since she joined the club and began taking lessons.  

Schlueter said when it comes to snapping pictures her range of photography subjects are pretty diversified, and she doesn’t like to limit herself to one specific area.

“I take pictures of wildlife, nature, kids—whatever is around,” Schlueter said.

The budding photographer may have only began perfecting her craft a few years ago, but what she may lack in years of experience, she makes up for in honors and awards.

 She has entered and won several contests including the Cuivre River Electric Co-Operative’s Calendar Competition, she was won eight ribbons for her work, including Best of Show, at the St. Clair County Fair in Belleville, Illinois. Schlueter’s most awarded piece “Spectacular”  has won Best of Show at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre’s Seen in Black and White competition and also took home Best of Show at the St. Clair County Fair.

The prized photograph “Spectacular” is a black and white picture with the focus of the piece on a pair of reading glasses lying in the photographer’s rainy driveway. Schlueter said the photograph was an impromptu snapshot taken of a very special pair of glasses.

“Those are my late father’s glasses,” she said of the award-winning shot.

“I like taking pictures in the rain, and I was walking out to my driveway, getting ready to put glasses down on the blacktop when I dropped them.  The frame fell out and it just kind of worked for the picture,” Schlueter said.

In addition to her photography, Schlueter also plays the piano and paints in watercolor. She plays piano every Tuesday night at home in St. Peters.

Schlueter said she has put painting to the back-burner, since she has discovered her passion for photography.

“I love painting in watercolor but photography has taken over, it’s a lot more instant,” she said of the medium.

Schlueter’s work can be seen at numerous locations throughout St. Charles County and the St. Louis area including: Miss Amy B’s Tea Room in St. Charles, A&T Market in St. Charles and the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre.

 Her photography will be on display during an art exhibit this Friday, March 25, 2011 at Schon Boutique in Richmond Heights. The public is invited to attend this event from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. A suggested minimum donation of $10 at the door gets guests complimentary beer, wine and other beverages as well as hors d’oeuvres.

For more information about her work, Schlueter can be contacted via email at carolyn@carolynschlueter.com.