Wendy Paton’s keen interest in photography began in 1981, while in the throws of a successful ground breaking career training and driving standard bred race horses in New York. Since being given a gift of what she describes  as her first ”real camera” it has been a circuitous route to her current career as a fine art photographer. The camera gave her the tool to document and share her artistic vision of the details of everyday life.

Wendy’s formal photographic training began in the early’ 90 at the International Center of Photography in New York City. Her interest in night photography peaked years later while studying with noted night photographer Michael Kenna. She attributes her darkroom printing successes, so vital to her work, to her mentor, teacher and collaborator master printer, Chuck Kelton.

Technically it’s the use of manual cameras that continue to allow Paton the creative control and freedom to achieve the desired results in her images.

Paton’s work is in private collections both in Europe and the United States. She is the recipient of the 2009 Center National Editor’s Choice Photography Adward (Santa Fe, NM). Selected images have been exhibited in Gallery and Museum venues nationally.

-       1981 : Received her first “Real Camera” a Canon AE1, and self taught, began exploring her photographic artistic vision of everyday life.

-       1991 : Began attending classes at the ICP  in New York City

-       2001 : First exhibited image in a National Juried Show : Philips Mill Photographic Show

-       2003 : Studied Night Photography and darkroom techniques with noted photographer Michael Kenna. In Arles France Studied Photography with the French photographer Lucien Clergue.

-       2004 : Opened studio and darkroom in rural Rosemont, NJ and began printing her own gelatin and platinum images.

-       2005: Hired to photograph all book images for the “ Complete Guide to Gay and Lesbian Weddings” St Martin’s Press Publisher. Began studying advance darkroom techniques with renowned master printer, Chuck Kelton.

-       2006 : First solo exhibition: “Tableau” a collection of Platinum alternative process photographs. Whitney Center.

-       2009 : Recipient of the first prize Editor’s Choice Award Center, Santa Fe-NM; Juror Simon Barnett, Newsweek Magazine. Selection of thirteen images chosen for “Clues of Identity” exhibited at the International Center of Photography Educational Gallery, NYC. Selected Artist : The Aperture Foundation 2009 Benefit and Auction

-       2010 : First Solo Exhibition of “ Visages de Nuit”, Sous Les Etoiles Gallery, NYC.