Artist Statement

In German, "Spiegel" means "mirror". My images reflect me as an artist and photographer, they also reflects my personal identity. My photos reflect how I felt at the time they were taken.

Growing up, I always loved taking pictures. My father gave me my first camera at the age of 8 and I’ve been photographing my world ever since.

My early cameras included a Kodak 124, a small square camera. I was amazed every time I saw my photos. By the time I was in Jr. High, I "advanced" to a Vivitar 110, which resembles a "remote control" device. I was excited when I starting shooting with a SLR, Canon Elan. In 2003, I went Digital. I currently shoot a Canon Rebel XTi. My lenses include a Tamron 28-300, a Canon 100 Macro and Tamron 11-18.

I graduated from San Diego State University (SDSU) with a Degree in Art. When I'm not traveling, taking photographs or painting, For the past 18 years, my "day job" was working as a Non-Profit Program Managers at a variety of organizations, such as environmental and humane societies.

I share my home with a 14 lb. Pomeranian, named Kharma "Fluffy Pants" Spiegel. He is the DEO (Dog Executive Officer) when my pet photography sessions.

Almost as much as I enjoy photography, I have always loved traveling. I believe that when we travel, we learn so much from many people and many cultures. Our differences make us special. I've enjoyed seeing the sights and meeting the people of Mexico, Barbados, St. Thomas, St. Martin, Puerto Rico, England, France, Italy, Germany, Canada and Australia. Within the United States, I have also had the wonderful opportunity to visit 34 states, so far.

Photographs speak to us in a variety of ways ... whether it is a our pets, family members, sunsets, a person, animals ... or just having fun. We use photographs not only to document our lives, but to tell a story or bring back memories at a glance.

My favorite subjects to photograph are animals, oceans, people, flowers and travel sights. I am always trying to improve my photographs, with the goal of creating pictures that combine colors, shapes and “fun” into a unique photograph.

I'm always trying to something new and enjoy learning ... so I started a blog to help me chronicle my journey to be a financial business woman, as well as a full-time photographer. I am also making entries on the photographic journey I am undertaking or ... anything that is of interest (at that moment). Follow me as I explore the business world ... very interesting for an artist.

ritaspiegelphotography.blogspot.com

Follow me on Twitter
http://twitter.com/rita520

I invite you to look through the galleries and join me on this adventure. I hope you enjoy my art.

-- Rita


Professional Affiliations
* Sierra Club Photo Section
* Oceanside Museum of Art, Artist Alliance
* JC Pop Gallery

Artist Exhibitions
* Pacific Q Billards Room - Jan. 2010
* Oceanside Art Gallery, Nov. - Dec. 2009
* Art in the Alley by JC Pop Gallery Aug. 2009
* St. Tropez Restaurant, Encinitas, CA 2009
* San Diego County Fair: 1998, 2006-2009 (Honorable Mention and Special Sponsor Award)
* Supreme Bean Coffee House Exhibit – Solo Artist
* Santos Coffee House – Solo Artist

Magazines/Newspapers
* San Diego Pets
* La Jolla Light
* AAA Magazine
* Ranch & Coast
* North County Times
* City of La Mesa 2006 Calendar
* Fotomall Photographer’s Showcase

Newsletters
* Sierra Club Photo Section
* Helen Woodward Animal Center
* Solana Center for Environmental Innovation
* California Coastal Commission


Brochures:
* Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS)
* Student Environmental Action and Leadership (SEAL)
* Rancho Coastal Humane Society