Marthanna Yater Photography

A Teen's Lesson in Sustainable Agriculture

2011-10-06T11:36:00.004-04:00

Volunteering at the Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, Connecticut, was a life changing experience for 19-year-old Sarah Curless, a sophomore majoring in animal science at Cornell University.

Over several summers, Curless learned to garden, make cheeses and care for animals at the abbey, which advanced her college career interests, but also exposed a typical kid from suburbia to a new world.

“When I first came to the abbey, I think it was the first time I had been that close to a cow, except maybe at a county fair,” she says. “It was kind of scary learning to milk an animal so big that you knew it could hurt you if it bumped you wrong.”

Curless, who was up at 5:30 a.m. to milk cows, was struck by the hard work and dedication of the nuns at the abbey. She says the experience "...made me realize that in farming and in life sometimes you have to work at a problem for a long time and think outside the box to find the answer you need.”

Marthanna Yater's insightful, organic images capture the heart of the Abbey of Regina Laudis (see the full gallery here) by telling the story of hard work, simplicity, and the relationship between the Earth and its caretakers. -- by Carol McGarrahan

Marthanna Yater Wins Big At Black and White Spider Awards - London

2011-07-12T09:22:00.004-04:00

Marthanna Yater’s breathtaking image, First A Woman, has received 2^nd Place and a Merit of Excellence from the prestigious international Black and White Spider Awards. This distinction is considered an endorsement from the most trusted authorities in art and photography today. Marthanna’s image, First A Woman, received the honor in the Nude category. Marthanna also received a nomination in the Fine Art Category for her work, I left my trike at Uncle Lem’s…that was 40 years ago.

The Black and White Spider awards are judged by an elite group of industry experts including London’s Tate Gallery, Sotheby’s, Magnum Photos, Bonhams of London, The Armory Show, and a variety of other esteemed judges. Recognition by the Spider Awards is considered the industry’s most exalted honor.

Celebrating its 7th year, the Black and White Spider Awards is the leading international award honoring black and white photography. This celebrated event shines a spotlight on the best professional and amateur photographers in a prestigious annual competition and globally webcast event, reaching photo fans in over 154 countries.

First A Woman

I left my trike at Uncle Lem's...that was 40 years ago

IPA Lucie Awards - and the Award Goes To...

2010-12-31T09:06:00.004-05:00

Marthanna! We are excited to announce that two of Marthanna’s breathtaking images have received Honorable Mentions from the prestigious International Photography Lucie Awards competition. Her work, First A Woman, received the honor in the Fine Art – Nude Pro category, and her Earth Woman Fire was recognized in the Fine Art – Other Pro grouping.

The 2010 IPA Lucie Awards received nearly 15,000 submissions from 103 countries across the globe. IPA is a sister-effort of the Lucie Foundation, where the top three winners are announced at the annual Lucie Awards gala ceremony in New York's Lincoln Center and given the coveted Lucie statuette. The Foundation’s mission is to honor master photographers, to discover new and emerging talent and to promote the appreciation of photography.

The awards are judged by industry experts including those from National Geographic, Saatchi & Saatchi, Esquire Magazine, Galerie Paris-Beijing, Tate Britain, and BBC Worldwide. Recognition by the IPA is one of the industry's premier tributes.

You can see the entire Honorable Mention gallery, including Marthanna’s images here.

Earth Woman Fire

First A Woman

Waiting for Emma

2010-08-23T07:25:00.000-04:00

There is nothing like those last days before a new baby comes into this world. The precious moments to enjoy things as they are and the delightful anticipation of what will be. Before Katherine welcomed her new daughter into the world, Marthanna captured her with big brother Max and big sister Eleanor as they awaited the arrival of Emma Kate.

Introducing Annie

2010-08-03T11:27:00.000-04:00

Many of you will remember meeting Ali and Scout. Well, now they have both been joined by a new sister. Welcome, Annie! Marthanna recently traveled back to Connecticut to photograph the expanding family.

Adorable Annie.

Angelic Ali.

Ali is rethinking this whole "big sister thing."

Much better.

Marthanna's website has been newly updated with exciting new work. Visit www.marthannayater.com or click here.

Marthanna's Images Selected For Prestigious Show

2010-06-21T16:28:00.002-04:00

We are excited to announce that two of Marthanna's evocative images have been accepted into the 14th Annual INFOCUS Juried exhibition at the renowned Palm Beach Photographic Centre in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Judi's Dance

I left my trike at Uncle Lem's...that was 40 years ago

These images, along with other selected works, will be on exhibit from July 10th to August 15th in the main gallery of The Palm Beach Photographic Centre. Read all about Marthanna's success in this show last year, here, and stay tuned for updates on the results from this year!

Early Summer Fun

2010-06-07T13:07:00.001-04:00

Max, Eleanor, and Marthanna recently enjoyed a fun-filled day of sun and strawberries at the Whitted Bowers Organic and Biodynamic Farm in Cedar Grove, North Carolina.

They picked their own certified organic and biodynamic strawberries and romped until they dropped in the fields. Unfortunately, strawberry season has come to an end but the Farm's June harvest features savoy, leaks and vidalia onions. Visit the Whitted Bowers website for more information and don't forget to contact Marthanna to set up your summer photo shoots!

You Are What You Eat

2010-05-13T16:58:00.006-04:00

At Whitted Bowers Farm in Cedar Gove, NC, Rob, Cheri, and Téa are changing the way we experience food. Their thriving farm practices permaculture design, biodynamic management, and implements a variety of sustainable farming procedures.

Biodyamic farming is designed to continually restore and revitalize the soil. Through careful crop rotation, specially formulated compost, maintenance based on different stages of plant growth, and planting driven by celestial happenings biodynamic methods ensure that the soil is as cared for as the harvest that comes from it.

From pick-your-own certified organic strawberries to late summer a harvest of tomatoes, blueberries and melons, this farm does more than just provide exceptional produce. It reminds us to nourish the land that nourishes us, that we can live and consume more responsibly, and most importantly….we are what we eat.

For more information visit www.whittedbowersfarm.com and visit the farm now to pick your own delicious organic strawberries!

100% Cotton?

2010-04-12T10:36:00.002-04:00

Over 240 photographs were recently submitted for the Natural Selections Photographic Competition and Exhibition, and Marthanna’s compelling image was one of the 42 selected! Her evocative photograph, 100% Cotton?, was chosen and will be on display from April 12th to May 30th at University Mall in Chapel Hill.

The ecological themed competition will be judged by professional photographers Andrew Ross and Diane Amato as well as one member of the Chapel Hill Public Arts Office. In addition to the prizes awarded by these judges, a “People’s Choice” will also be selected as voted on by visitors to the exhibition from May 12th to 23rd. Vote via ballot at the exhibit or on University Mall’s Facebook page.

A reception and awards ceremony will be held Friday, April 23 from 6:30 to 8pm at University Mall. Please come visit Marthanna’s entry in person and spread the word!

Beach Babes At Sunset

2010-04-09T12:52:00.003-04:00

Marthanna recently escaped to picturesque Sunset Beach, North Carolina where she romped on the shore with Chrissy, Dave, and their two children, Cameron and Van. These children are obvious "Beach Babes," completely at home with life on the beach.

These pictures are sure to leave us all wondering, "Is it possible to have too much fun playing on the beach?"

Woman's Best Friend

2010-03-31T13:57:00.006-04:00

J.B. Aukerly once said, "A dog has one purpose in life. To bestow his heart,” a sentiment that surely Sue McKinney CPDT-KA, dog trainer extraordinaire would agree with. Marthanna recently visited with Sue and her four legged companions and snapped these playful pictures.

Sue runs an in home dog training businesses, Dog Fun Forever, LLC, and she delights in training dogs for people who want life-long companions.

Also volunteering at the Durham Animal Shelter, Sue helps solve problems for dogs and their humans so they can live together happily forever. Sue lives and plays in Durham with her 3 border collies and one papillon. To read more about Sue visit www.dogfunforever.com.

Kristen, Ali, & Scout

2010-03-11T11:46:00.008-05:00

There's nothing like the bond between mother, daughter, and well...dog. Marthanna was fortunate enough to capture these tender moments when, after business meetings in New York City, she traveled to the home of Kristen, 7-month-old Ali, and the four-legged Scout in Ansonia, Connecticut.

The first photo, entitled, This Used To Be My Chair, is currently hanging in the entrance to the internationally renowned Palm Beach Photographic Center. Marthanna received a Merit Award in the annual juried exhibition, INFOCUS, and was asked to extend the loan of her images so they could remain on display. Thus making Ali and Scout the stars they were born to be!

Baker Family

2010-03-02T16:01:00.006-05:00

Marthanna recently traveled to Ocean Isle, North Carolina to spend time photographing the Baker family. Marthanna has enjoyed a long relationship with Amy and Sterling Baker which began with photographing Amy's wedding portraits and their subsequent wedding. With the arrival of their children, Marthanna has had the joy of watching them grow while capturing poignant moments of emotion, play, and laughter along the way.

Click here to see all of Marthanna's latest work. Celebrate spring with a new family portrait!

Snow Days

2010-02-10T17:20:00.000-05:00

As many of us struggle with the havoc that winter has wreaked, we hope you'll enjoy the softer side of Mother Nature with these beautiful snow inspired images.

Tell us about your snow in the comments. Check out the newly updated website, www.marthannayater.com.

Become a Fan!

2009-12-21T14:25:00.000-05:00

Click here to become a fan of Marthanna Yater Photography on Facebook!

Marthanna Yater Wins Big In West Palm Beach

2009-12-14T10:51:00.012-05:00

Marthanna Yater won one of two merit awards in the Annual Juried Exhibition, INFOCUS, at the grand opening of the state of the art Palm Beach Photographic Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Marthanna's award winning image, First A Woman, beat out over 600 other entries in this acclaimed competition.

The juried show was part of the opening celebration for the 11 million dollar Photographic Center and was attended by many renowned artists, photographers, and dignitaries including Palm Beach Mayor, Lois Frankel.

Entrance to Palm Beach Photographic Center

Thousands of fans also enjoyed the festivities, reveling in the state of the art 26,000 square foot center devoted to the enrichment of life through exhibitions, community programs, workshops and other educational activities that promote the arts of photography and digital imaging.

The grand opening also featured a solo exhibition from acclaimed artist-photographer Anna Tomczak, with whom Marthanna studied under at Penland over 25 years ago.

Marthanna Yater (left) and Anna Tomczak

Marthanna's success at the Palm Beach show was the perfect time to announce the launch of her new website celebrating her passion for photographing women and children and capturing the art in each moment.