A Decade of Inspiring Photographic Art: Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Latitudes Gallery
For ten years, Latitudes Gallery has been a hub for photographic art enthusiasts, showcasing some of the most inspiring works from around the world with an emphasis on the ocean and scenics from California and Hawaii. As the gallery celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Downtown Ventura location, it's hard not to get caught up in the excitement of this milestone. From the moment you step into the historic building of the gallery, you are transported to a world of visual enchantment, where every photograph is a window into the awe and magnificence of our natural world. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a first-time visitor, Latitudes Gallery has something to offer everyone. The gallery has become a place of inspiration, where visitors can immerse themselves in a visual journey to wondrous places. Join us as we celebrate a decade of creativity, passion, and excellence at Latitudes Gallery.
History of Latitudes Gallery
Latitudes began as a humble collaboration of two photographers, passionate about capturing the beauty of nature as they experienced it. While out photographing separately, a serendipitous encounter led to their meeting and ultimately, the establishment of galleries in Ventura, CA, and Poipu, Kauai.
The early years of their careers were spent sharpening their skills. Stephanie got a degree in professional photography in 1993 at the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography with a specialty in commercial photography. Though, she found passion and excelled in wedding photography and quickly made her mark as a specialist with a photojournalistic style. Her unique and documentary esthetic was in high demand and took her all over the world for extraordinary wedding and events and led to various other contacts opening other opportunies in her industry. She has been the personal photographer for special private and family events for a wide range of Hollywood celebrities and music executives. From 2004 to 2008 she found herself photographing congressional candidates and senators and even on the presidential campaign trail with John McCain.
Steve began his photo journey, blending his passion for surfing and sports. Self taught from the beginning with his relentless determination and grit, he developed his style by shooting nonstop and critiquing his own work against those in the glossy surf magazines he revered. Before long his work was being noticed by professional surfers such as Kelly Slater, Timmy Curran, Kalani Rob, and picked up by magazines and sponsors. Not long after he found himself shooting exclusively for other professionals in the golf and worldwide super bike superstars such as two time AMA champion Jason Pridmore.
As their individual careers evolved, and each was yearning for new challenges, they stumbled upon each other while out photographing the some local scenes after a big winter storm in Ventura. Stephanie was chasing a landscape photograph in the early morning light with the newly snow covered Topa Topa mountains while Steve was racing to capture the tall ship "Hawaiian Chieftain" attempting a harrowing approach into the Ventura Harbor with historic surf pounding the jetty. Not knowing each other at the time, their paths crossed again soon after at the local photo lab, Image Source. It was there that they connected and shared stories of the photos they had captured the previous day and as typical with photographers, a long conversations about cameras and gear ensued...and thus, a friendship that later would lead to the formation of Latitudes Galleries.
With separate careers in very different genres of the photo industry, they found inspiration together seeking out magnificent moments in nature. Sharing technical knowledge and different perspectives was a bonding element as was their competitive nature. From photographing local landmarks in the hills of Ventura to the wild rugged coastlines of the Channel Islands, their early work caught the eyes of collectors quickly as they showed their work in photo festivals and various pop-up galleries. Soon they decided to take the leap and and sign a lease for one of the most beautiful, historical buildings on Main Street.
As artist partners, Steve and Stephanie have found a harmonious balance in creating Latitudes Gallery. Steve's bold style delivers arresting images that command attention, while Stephanie's talent lies in capturing mood and subtlety, resulting in soft, ethereal creations.
What sets Latitudes Gallery apart is its focus on photographic art that not only enchants, intrigues, and inspires but also connects us to ourselves and our relationship to nature. The gallery believes in the power of photography to evoke emotion, uplift the spirit, and enrich our lives.
The power of photographic art
Photographic art has the power to transport us to different places, evoke emotion, and inspire change. It has the ability to capture the essence of a moment and freeze it in time for eternity. Photography is a universal language that can be understood by people from all walks of life, regardless of their background or culture.
At Latitudes Gallery, photographic art is celebrated for its ability to tell a story. Each photograph is a window into a different reality, inviting us to explore new places, perspectives and experiences. The gallery believes that photography has the power to change the world, one image at a time.
Celebrating 10 years of Latitudes Gallery
Over the past decade, Latitudes Gallery has become a favorite destination for locals and visitors to the area. A stroll through the gallery takes you on a visual journey to places and moments that take your breath away.
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Latitudes Gallery is hosting a special exhibition featuring the best works from the past decade. The exhibition will be a celebration of the gallery's journey and a tribute to the artists who have made it possible. The exhibition will also be an opportunity for visitors to see some of the most captivating and inspiring photographic art from around the world.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of events, including artist talks, workshops, and panel discussions. These events will provide visitors with the opportunity to engage with the artists and to learn more about the stories behind their photographs.
See: Top 10 photographs from Latitudes Gallery
Choosing the top 10 photographs from Latitudes Gallery is no easy feat, given the high quality of the art on display. However, here are some of the most memorable photographs that have graced the walls of the gallery over the past decade
Behind the scenes of Latitudes Gallery - Q&A with the owner
We had the opportunity to sit down with Stephanie Hogue, the owner of Latitudes Gallery, to learn more about the gallery's journey and vision for the future.
Q: What inspired you to start Latitudes Gallery?
A: We were two photographers who loved nature photography but we were each shooting other types of work to make a living. So we teamed up and built up the gallery in our free time and worked on growing sales day by day until we could do it full time. There were quite a few years where we really were working double time with no time for other activities but we didn't care- we were building our dream.
Q: What sets Latitudes Gallery apart from other art galleries?
A: We focus on photographic art that connects people to nature and places that they love. Our artwork makes people happy and feel good. And we do our best to make everything fun!
Q: What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as the owner of Latitudes Gallery?
A: Just wearing all the hats that you have to wear as business owners. We have really had to grow and sharpen our business and management skills along the way. Taking photographs is such a small part of the business. But we love every bit of it!
Q: What are your future plans for Latitudes Gallery?
A: We plan to continue to expand our collection with breathtaking images from around the world. We would also like to expand our markets and exposure with some additional galleries in locations that we love. We are also considering adding more artists and perhaps having a mentorship program to nurture young, emerging artists. We are entering an era at Latitudes where we want to give back. We have been so fortunate and are grateful to the community and people that have nurtured us.
Latitudes Gallery's impact on the community
Latitudes Gallery has had a significant impact on the local community over the past decade. The gallery has become a destination for art lovers from around the world, and has helped to put the local art scene on the map. Over 10 years, Latitudes has donated hundreds of art pieces to local fundraisers and charities. The causes focussed on have been environmental and arts related. The gallery has also contributed to the local economy by attracting visitors and generating revenue.
However, Latitudes Gallery's impact goes beyond the economic. The gallery has become a place of inspiration and creativity, where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of photographic art. Also, a place of pride for locals as the gallery walls showcase the iconic landmarks and treasured scenic viewpoints.
The importance of supporting local art galleries
Local art galleries play a vital role in supporting emerging artists and promoting the arts in the community. They provide a platform for artists to showcase their work, and they help to create a vibrant and diverse arts scene. However, local art galleries are facing increasing challenges, including rising rents, competition from online platforms, and changing consumer behavior.
It is important for art lovers to support local art galleries, not only to help them survive but also to help them thrive. By supporting local art galleries, we are investing in the future of the arts and in the cultural vitality of our communities.
Conclusion and invitation to celebrate the anniversary
As Latitudes Gallery celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is a time to reflect on the power of photographic art and the impact that the gallery has had on the community.
We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us, by visiting the gallery and experiencing the best photographic art from around the world. We also encourage you to support local art galleries, and to invest in the future of the arts and the cultural vitality of our communities. Be sure to visit and support the arts in Ventura! Here is a list of galleries and art events for 2023:
6. WAV
10. Ventura ArtWalk (yearly event) September 23-24, 2023 Various location downtown Main Street and on Ventura Ave.
11. Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival September 9-10, 2023 Ventura Harbor Village
