Photography by Joe Ladendorf is displayed during May and June at the Hammond Public Library, 564 State St. His work may be viewed in the three galleries on the first and second floors of the library.
Ladendorf calls himself "an electrician by trade, and a photographer for love. I always say I am a wandering photographer trapped in an electrician’s body."
According to his artist statement, "I became interested in photography at the age of 18, when my father gave me my first real camera as a Christmas gift. I had always loved the outdoors, constantly finding myself in the woods, whether camping, fishing, hunting, or just exploring. I instantly fell in love with the camera, and recording my ever-expanding travels. After working in the steel mills for awhile, I started traveling regularly, and discovered a love for hiking in the mountains. Never were two hobbies more compatible, hiking through the wilderness, and photography.
"At the beginning, failures were more common than successes, but those failures formed the basis of my successes today. I feel as if I am still just getting started in the learning process as I strive to master my craft. Being accepted to display my work, here in the Hammond Public Library, is an accomplishment that I am very proud of.
Within the last two years, I decided that I wanted to share my art with the public. I started showing my art at various local art fairs, and it was well received. Many people suggested I get involved with galleries, and I have made attempts, successfully, at being accepted. I certainly hope it grows from here."
Ladendorf has had success in his local camera club, winning some awards, and a print of the year award for his image “John Oliver Place,” a black and white rendition of a snow-covered landscape that was captured at an old homestead in the Smoky Mountains. In 2012, his photo “Pricket Lake Sunrise,” a gorgeous sunrise scene captured on a chilly October morning in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, won an award in the B&H Photo Video Fall Color contest. He is now being represented by Courtyard Gallery in New Buffalo, Mich., as well as at Paul Henry's Art Gallery in Hammond.
"My motto is, 'Inspiring Images That Make You Wish You Were There,'" says Ladendorf. "It is a thrill to me when I have someone looking at one of my photos, and saying, 'I wish I could be here to see this!'" His work may be viewed during library hours: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Information is with the library's graphic artist, Scott Kingery, at (219) 931-5100, Ext. 302.