FREEPORT

Beginning this weekend and running through the end of March, Freeport photographer Judy Plouffe will display her work at Freeport Community Library.

Plouffe, a Massachusetts native, spent many summers throughout her life on the coast Maine, observing nature. In November 2011, Plouffe moved from Montpelier, Vermont to Freeport so she could live on the Maine coast permanently.

Plouffe said her love for photography really blossomed when she moved to Freeport, as she used her camera to become more acquainted with her surroundings.

“When I moved here I realized there were so many opportunities for great photography, and it just kind of exploded,” said Plouffe. “I moved here without knowing anybody, so photography was my way to get to know the area.”

Plouffe bought a house on the shoreline, and said she began walking the beach every morning, taking pictures. That routine developed into a series of sunrise photographs spanning 365 days, and culminating in Plouffe’s first large body of work.

“Mornings are the best time to be out there,” said Plouffe. “There are gray mornings, some mornings with no colors at all, but they’re still beautiful.”

Plouffe said that she began to track the seasons on the water by the birds and other wildlife that appeared in the area, and added animals into her photography whenever possible.

“You see migrating birds, ospreys, and you see the seasons change by the birds that come by,” said Plouffe. “Having my camera gives me a chance to go out and explore and see what’s out there.”

As her photography skills developed, animals became a focus for Plouffe. Her exhibit at the Freeport library will feature shots of various animals — some from the ocean and some from the land.

“I’ve been getting into insects a lot lately,” said Plouffe. “I have one shot of a bee coated in pollen on a sunflower, and another of snail up close and personal. Animals make for really fun pictures.”

New England landscapes have been a favorite of Plouffe since she began taking photographs, and a recent trip to Ireland gave her portfolio even more variety.

“There will be a whole section focused on Ireland,” said Plouffe. “Since this is the month of March and St. Patrick’s Day, I thought putting up some Irish stuff made sense. A lot of the pictures are from Western Ireland. There are a lot of cool things over there that remind me of New England, a lot of the landscape.”

Shooting in Ireland also posed some challenges, Plouffe said, especially when searching out the best sunrise and sunset photos.

“Taking pictures there can be difficult in the summer as the best part of the day is at dawn and dusk,” Plouffe said. “The sun in June in Ireland sets at 10 p.m., and it can still stay light out until 11 p.m. So with catching sunsets you need to be a night owl.”

No matter her location, Plouffe said she is always seeking out new ways to broaden her photography.

“I don’t go anywhere without my camera,” said Plouffe, who has been using a Canon Powershot A60 since she began shooting in 2011, and also has a Canon Rebel at her disposal. “I’m always looking for new pictures. The way I see it, there’s always a picture to be taken that makes the world look different.”

Judy Plouffe’s photography will be on display at the Freeport Community Library’s main reading room from Friday, March 3 until Friday, March 31. For more information, visit freeportlibrary.com.

bgoodridge@timesrecord.com

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