The Quad

Issue date: 2/11/08 Section: Entertainment

When looking at those around us, one would like to think everyone is a super hero in disguise. Not to suggest that the removal of an ordinary Joe Shmoe's glasses could render them a literal Superman, but one would like to believe that each of us has a secret passion or hidden talent, imperceptible to the naked eye.

Upon meeting with accounting major Scott Lam, a personwould identify his statistics book, Abercrombie and Fitch sweatshirt, and five o'clock shadow as tell-tale signs that he is a practical and seemingly average West Chester University student.

Lam, however, has a special quality. Though he is unable to see through walls he can certainly take fantastic photographs of them. This aspiring photographer shoots anything from flowers to WCU sporting events.

Combining a visual dexterity in lighting with a keen eye for texture and depth, Lam has fused elegant scenes with an urban edge, bringing a fresh new perspective to the increasingly stagnant world of amateur photography.

Slightly abashed by the exposure of his talent, Lam admits that upon receiving his first digital camera as a gift, he recognized his flair for taking artful photos.

"I never took classes; just a lot of hands on experimenting and reading," Lam said. I was pretty good to start but I keep trying to improve and learn more every time I go out to shoot."

With nearly three years of experience under his belt and frequent outings to find his next great shot, Lam has built quite a portfolio.

He has been equipped with his Cannon 20d (a very bulky and consequently heavy camera) while attending sporting events, family get-togethers, vacations, and even parties with friends.

At these events, Lam explains, "It's not about the message or artful expression in this case, but about capturing the moment and substantiating the memory."

Yet his online gallery, ScottLam.com, is filled with aesthetically exhilarating galleries including categories such as "animals," "architecture," "automotive" and "landscapes" with nearly 300 mastered photos. Some truly powerful messages can be extracted from these galleries if looked at with an objective mind.

"Occasionally I'll go out to shoot with a purpose to convey a message."

However, Lam admits that the best way to find a great shot is to simply look at the world as freeze frames in the mind. "Walking around I pretty much look at everything as a picture and think of different ways to compose it to find a perspective I like."

Continued...

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