Photographer says: Have fun and keep it simple
Paul Sorensen started taking pictures as a 10-year-old.
"My mom handed me a Kodak camera and two rolls of film before we went on vacation to the Black Hills," he said. "She told me I was in charge of taking pictures and that's all it took. I have been interested in photography ever since."
The time Sorensen could dedicate to the hobby has fluctuated through the years. But ever since he retired in 2008 he has been able to hike more miles and pursue eye-catching photos.
"For me, it's all about getting exercise with the camera," Sorensen said.
Hikes in the woods of Pilot Knob State Park near Forest City with his Cannon camera allow him to capture many scenes. He especially enjoys spending time in the park during the spring, winter and fall.
"Anywhere in the park is an opportunity for a great photo," he said. "We are lucky to have a park the caliber of Pilot Knob only four miles away."
The other spot Sorensen returns to frequently is the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota.
"It is my home away from home," Sorensen said. "The best part about it is you get to know people you meet on the trail."
Sorensen has spent so much time on the North Shore that he was featured on the community faces page of the Lake County News Chronicle, a newspaper published in the North Shore area.
"He's never lived here, he doesn't own property here, he doesn't have relatives here. Still, if heart has anything to do with it, Sorensen is a member of the North Shore community," wrote reporter Monica Isley.
Many in the Forest City area don't have to look very far to see Sorensen's work on display.
He has been published in Our Iowa magazine, the Winnebago County website, the WCTA phone directory and calendar and in the Forest City Alumni Dream Catcher.
WCTA manager Mark Thoma said Sorensen's photo taken in Pilot Knob was selected through a detailed process and was the favorite of many.
"We try to feature a photo from the WCTA territory," Thoma said. "The customers seem to enjoy it."
Sorensen's tip for photographers is about the enjoyment.
"Have fun and keep it simple," he said.
One area photographer has enjoyed getting a few tips from Sorensen.
"Paul is great at giving encouragement to be confident in the photos I have taken," said Ashley Smith.
Smith is a fan of Sorensen's work and is especially impressed by the fact he doesn't use any photo software to alter images after they have been taken. This requires detailed planning before releasing the shutter to make a shot look nice.
"From my perspective, a lot of in-depth thinking goes into his images," said Smith. "Everything he takes always has a story behind it."
Sorensen picks up his own tips at the North Iowa Photo Club. The group of photographers from around the area meets at the Rolling Acres Christian Reformed Church in Mason City every month.
"We share our work, listen to a speaker and it is very informal," he said. "We welcome everyone in all levels of interest."
Tips from club members helps the area photographer pursue his passion even more.
"I love being able to capture a moment in time that you are never going to see again," Sorensen said. "That's what has had me intrigued since age 10."
"My mom handed me a Kodak camera and two rolls of film before we went on vacation to the Black Hills," he said. "She told me I was in charge of taking pictures and that's all it took. I have been interested in photography ever since."
The time Sorensen could dedicate to the hobby has fluctuated through the years. But ever since he retired in 2008 he has been able to hike more miles and pursue eye-catching photos.
"For me, it's all about getting exercise with the camera," Sorensen said.
Hikes in the woods of Pilot Knob State Park near Forest City with his Cannon camera allow him to capture many scenes. He especially enjoys spending time in the park during the spring, winter and fall.
"Anywhere in the park is an opportunity for a great photo," he said. "We are lucky to have a park the caliber of Pilot Knob only four miles away."
The other spot Sorensen returns to frequently is the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota.
"It is my home away from home," Sorensen said. "The best part about it is you get to know people you meet on the trail."
Sorensen has spent so much time on the North Shore that he was featured on the community faces page of the Lake County News Chronicle, a newspaper published in the North Shore area.
"He's never lived here, he doesn't own property here, he doesn't have relatives here. Still, if heart has anything to do with it, Sorensen is a member of the North Shore community," wrote reporter Monica Isley.
Many in the Forest City area don't have to look very far to see Sorensen's work on display.
He has been published in Our Iowa magazine, the Winnebago County website, the WCTA phone directory and calendar and in the Forest City Alumni Dream Catcher.
WCTA manager Mark Thoma said Sorensen's photo taken in Pilot Knob was selected through a detailed process and was the favorite of many.
"We try to feature a photo from the WCTA territory," Thoma said. "The customers seem to enjoy it."
Sorensen's tip for photographers is about the enjoyment.
"Have fun and keep it simple," he said.
One area photographer has enjoyed getting a few tips from Sorensen.
"Paul is great at giving encouragement to be confident in the photos I have taken," said Ashley Smith.
Smith is a fan of Sorensen's work and is especially impressed by the fact he doesn't use any photo software to alter images after they have been taken. This requires detailed planning before releasing the shutter to make a shot look nice.
"From my perspective, a lot of in-depth thinking goes into his images," said Smith. "Everything he takes always has a story behind it."
Sorensen picks up his own tips at the North Iowa Photo Club. The group of photographers from around the area meets at the Rolling Acres Christian Reformed Church in Mason City every month.
"We share our work, listen to a speaker and it is very informal," he said. "We welcome everyone in all levels of interest."
Tips from club members helps the area photographer pursue his passion even more.
"I love being able to capture a moment in time that you are never going to see again," Sorensen said. "That's what has had me intrigued since age 10."
