The Photographer

Rowena had a traditional education in photography and then moved into digital in 1999, mostly inspired by capturing the beauty of the wildlife and the flora in Devon (South West of England).
      Rowena's first experience of photography was at the tender age of four. Her father was a portrait photographer and she spent hours with him in his dark room helping (though Rowena says probably more like hindering!) him to develop his films. A few years later he bought her a camera and spent many hours teaching, helping and advising her. His first words to her still echo in her mind, "never go anywhere without your camera around your neck otherwise you will miss that picture of a life time"!
      Although at first she followed in her fathers' footsteps and sold portrait and also some landscape photography for local publication, she now predominantly works with "Natural Reflections", wildlife, flora and local landscapes.

The Photographer's Work

   Magazines, Promotional Literature and Other Publications

Rowena has many Wildlife Trusts using her photography for their magazine/newsletter articles, promotional literature, certificates, shows, talks, exhibitions etc.
      Besides producing photography for sale on the general market for books, magazines, greetings cards, calendars etc. Rowena also produces her own range of prints and greetings cards.
      Todate she has had published: (1)  four articles with corresponding photography; (2) various booklets of local landscape and wildlife photography; (3) a small book about the famous and very well-known goose on the River Exe; (4) an historical book "Some Alphington Miscellany and Memories".
      Rowena's attention to wildlife and flora is matched by her scientific knowledge of the subjects and extensive captions or accompanying articles are supplied with each photograph.

   The Alphington Village Calendar

Rowena has now completed four assignments for producing the photography for these calendars (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 editions) capturing the spirit and beauty of Devon commissioned by her own village of Alphington. The commission is on going.

   Golden Wedding Anniversary

During August 2005 Rowena was given the commission to photograph the celebrations at a Golden Wedding Anniversary party.

    Living Here Community Web Site

Besides being a Community Editor for this web site from the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, Rowena is also working on various projects of her own for the site: (1) a brief history of Alphington; (2) Alphington Village facts and stories; (3) the flora and wildlife in the lanes of Alphington; (4) the flora and wildlife on and alongside the Exeter Canal and River Exe.

Exhibitions

October 2003 photograph exhibited as part of The Big Picture Exhibition, Exeter Cathedral, Exeter.
      October 2004 Digital Gallery I exhibition as part of The Exeter Autumn Festival.
      July 2005 exhibition as part of The Music in the Parks, Alphington event.       November 2005 Digital Gallery II exhibition as part of The Exeter Autumn Festival. Attended by The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Exeter and an award presented.
      February 2006 exhibition in The Guild Hall, Exeter.
      November 2006 Digital Gallery III and Alphington Then and Now exhibition as part of The Exeter Autumn Festival. Attended by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Exeter and Deputy Mayoress and an award presented.
      November 2007 Digital Gallery Four and Alphington Through the Ages exhibition as part of the Exeter Autumn Festival and in association with the Royal Albert Memorial Museum's Living Here Community Web Site. Attended by The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Exeter and an award presented.

Groups

The Alphington Photographic Group (TAPG)    Rowena is the founder member of TAPG, which is a group of local photographers dedicated to improving their photographical techniques.

The Alphington Local History Group (ALHG)     Rowena is Secretary of the Alphington Local History Group, which she set up along with another villager in February 2008. The aims of the group are to continue the historical research of Alphington Village and Parish, also, to collect old Alphington pictures and documents. These items will be preserved for present and future residents of the village and eventually be displayed in a village museum.

Talks

Rowena is available to give talks locally and at present has one booked for 5th November 2008.

Judging

photournament.com    Rowena is a judge on photournament.com, a website dedicated to high-quality photography and photoart.
      During October 2005 Rowena was commissioned to judge three photographic competitions for a local Camera Club.

Journalist work

Rowena is now also working as a local journalist for her own village's Parish magazine where her photographic talents will be used as required. She has now had several photographs published in this magazine.

Contact the Photographer

In the first instance please direct all enquires to Rowena's e-mail: info@rowena-jay.com

Copyright © Rowena Jay 2008