March 5, 2026 - Pat Keith

While I haven’t always considered myself a photographer, I have long been fascinated by
imaging technology. My first real encounter with photography came during my final year of
college, at a special briefing held by the commander of my ROTC unit. Using an old overhead
projector, he displayed a photograph of a Russian submarine pen—sailors in full dress uniform
standing in formation. The image had been taken by a spy satellite.
What captivated me wasn’t the subject—it was the resolution. You could actually read the letters
on some of the sailors’ name tags. From space. I remember thinking, How is that even possible?
From that moment on, I was hooked—not yet on photography as art, but on the power of
imaging itself.
A few years later, while stationed in Korea, I visited a craft and arts center and attended a lecture
by a Korean journalist. That lecture changed everything. I signed up for classes, bought a Canon
AE-1, and three rolls of Ilford film—very specifically required by a rather strict instructor.
Flying throughout Korea gave me the opportunity to photograph landscapes, architecture, and
everyday life. For the first time, I began to see photography not just as technology—but as a way
of observing and preserving culture.
After retiring from Federal Service, I immersed myself fully in photography, both as a business
and as a passion. Today, I teach photography—primarily to young people—and I learn as much
from them as they do from me. My work tends to focus on landscapes, wildlife and nature,
cultural subjects, and black-and-white imagery. Much of that is reflected in tonight’s presentation
on Costa Rica. I’ve had the opportunity to visit Costa Rica twice—first in 2018 and again in late
2025—spending ten days each trip photographing wildlife, landscapes, people - everything. In
seven years, I saw remarkable change. And in some ways, I saw how little had changed at all.
Over time, my relationship with photography has evolved. I moved from “photography as
technology” to “photography as art.” To me, photography is a language. It tells stories. It creates
connection. It allows viewers not just to see an image, but to feel the inspiration behind it. That
pursuit—to tell stories that resonate—is what continues to drive my work. And somehow, my
interest in technology has allowed me to appreciate the art form even more.

Anyone who would like to volunteer for 2026, please let us know!