More shares from the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation virtual art exhibit, Serendipity: Expressing the Connection of People, Place and the Past, a showcase of art inspired by historic places in Hawai‘i. Artists of all ages and experience were welcome to submit works of visual art, including collages, drawings, paintings, photography, printmaking, and poetry. View the virtual art exhibit through August 31st.
Historic Details Shine in Pam Chamber’s Art Photography
Since 1985, Pam Chambers has been teaching people how to overcome their fears and step confidently into public speaking. Through her company, Pam Chambers Consulting, she has helped thousands in all walks of life through personal coaching and a multitude of training programs. She is the author of ten books, including two photo books featuring Honolulu’s historic buildings.
Born in Oxford, England, Pam’s father was a Rhodes Scholar and classics including classical architecture, were infused throughout her childhood. Pam shared how these experiences inspired a deep love for historic places.
Moving downtown from Niu Valley in 2010 and downsizing her living space catalyzed a new passion, photography! Life in a pedestrian friendly environment gave Pam the opportunity to walk almost everywhere and take the time to really see things and delight in the details. She began capturing some of Honolulu’s most familiar structures highlighting their intricate, often overlooked details. She compiled her favorites into two books, There and Back (2018) and There and Back Again (2019).*
Pam shared how much she loves living in the vicinity of the Hawai‘i Capital Historic District, smack in the middle of what interests her most. From her building she can view many of the district’s historic buildings including the Territorial Office Building, (Kekuanao’a Building), Kawaiahaʻo Church and the Hawai‘i State Capitol.
Learn more about Pam’s neighborhood by taking a virtual or in-person tour of the Hawai‘i Capital Historic District via the HHF Story Map of Historic Buildings & Public Art. Click here to view the tour.
When asked how these historic structures enrich her life, Pam explained that they inspire and enhance her experience on so many levels. There is the visual level which she finds rich and appealing, especially in the intricacies of the detailing. As an example, Pam shared her fascination with the decorative elements of the Dillingham Transportation Building**. Another layer is the fascination of imaging life in all its facets at a different time and the historical imprint of people and events left behind.
Pam’s work entitled “YWCA at 6:00 p.m.” received the People’s Choice Award in the HHF virtual art exhibit, Serendipity.
*Neither book is available for purchase at this time.
**Learn more about the Dillingham Transportation Building and these decorative features in this video replay of HHF intern Nayun Hong’s presentation on this topic. Click here to view.
Pam shares more insights into her photography…
How did you first get started exploring photography?
I became active a few years ago. It was a combination of having a camera on my iPhone and moving to Kakaako. Instead of rushing to and from town from Niu Valley, I had the opportunity to walk to and from many of my destinations and to take time to look around me. I would take photos of details of historic buildings and post them on FB along with a question: “Who can say what building features this detail?” People would send in their guesses (almost always incorrect) and a day or two later I would give the correct answer. Often, their response was the same: “I’ve walked past that a thousand times and never noticed that!”
At one point, a friend said, “I see a photo book here,” – an idea I instantly pooh-poohed as being beyond my ability or ambition. But the idea took root and sprouted. I did it, and then I did it again! (There and Back and There and Back Again.)
What do you most enjoy about photography? Three things:
1. The unexpected pleasure of having something catch my eye and the ease with which I can capture that image for future consideration.
2. I used to get pleasure from using a variety of editing tools to enhance my photos, but now I get more pleasure from using next to none. That means I’m becoming more skillful. (I don’t take photos, I make photos.)
3, Sharing them. Hearing people say, “Thank you for opening my eyes!”
Is there a particular message you’d like to convey to your audience?
Yes. Train yourself to look and see. Be aware. Be in the moment. Notice the details – built and natural – around you. It might be the way the setting sun throws a certain light on a shelf of books in your home, or the beauty of a wilting orchid blossom, or a decorative embellishment above an elevator in an old building. Or two people in rapt conversation.
What is the next photographic skill you want to master?
Street photography. I’m good at capturing people from behind, but I want to get better at frontal shots that require more stealth and/or boldness.
Photo at top: Pam Chambers in front of the YWCA Laniākea in Downtown Honolulu. Photo by China Huffman.
Photos by Pam Chambers: Below, The Hawaii Theatre; bottom left, the open air ceiling at the Hawaiian Electric Building; bottom right, Pam’s favorite intersection: Merchant and Bethel Streets. All in Downtown Honolulu.
Pam Chambers has been educating and entertaining Hawaii audiences since 1985. She offers programs on presentation skills, business etiquette, networking, customer service, coaching skills, and more. Pam is known for her practical tips and her “wise and cheerful lessons.” She is the author of ten books. Her latest is titled, “Now You Tell Me!”
To view Pam in action, visit https://pamchambers.com/resources/