Photograph by Cindy Pitou Burton.

Photograph by Cindy Pitou Burton.

Photograph by Cindy Pitou Burton.

Photograph by Cindy Pitou Burton.

Photograph by Cindy Pitou Burton.

Photograph by Cindy Pitou Burton.

Photograph by Cindy Pitou Burton.

Photograph by Cindy Pitou Burton.

The Ojai Photography Club will host Ojai based photographer Cindy Pitou Burton presenting “The Journey from Photojournalism to Fine Art” on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. in Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 W. Santa Clara St., Ojai, CA. She will give an illustrated talk about the dramatic changes in her photographic work that grew out of her move from fast paced photojournalism on the East Coast to innovative fine art photography in Ojai. The event is free and open to the public.

Pitou Burton began her career as a photojournalist working for major media outlets in New York City, including the New York Times, NBC, CBS, PBS, as well as prominent magazines and corporations. After sixteen years in this high-powered field, she made an abrupt change when her husband persuaded her to move to Ojai. Although living in Ojai was a long-cherished dream for him, she missed the excitement of her work in the city. The rugged landscapes of the West Coast seemed strange, almost foreign, after her many years in the green countryside of the East Coast. All of her familiar photographic subjects had been left behind. When faced with such challenges, she explains, her attitude is always “Just say yes!”

Beginning with black and white images of her backyard and the surrounding neighborhood, Pitou Burton gradually transformed her work into highly experimental fine art photography. Exploring alternative processes, she mastered the techniques of Polaroid transfers and digital manipulation. Her close-up images of flowers on a light box created a stunning x-ray effect. She has experimented extensively with unconventional papers and produced numerous series of limited edition fine art prints.

With iPhone technology and travel, Pitou Burton has successfully combined her photojournalism and fine art expertise. She discovered that the iPhone offers new possibilities and also mimics her early transfer process, especially for large-scale prints. Emerging from her travels are painterly images of Vietnam, India, and the Galapagos Islands. From the inner mysteries of flowers to the faraway places of the world, she follows her “Yes!” wherever it leads.

Pitou Burton has had many exhibits in New York and California, has been interviewed for the archives of Focus on the Masters and is an active member of the Ojai Studio Artists. For more information and her images, go to http://pitouburton.com

Monthly free presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. The general public is always welcome to attend.

The club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for review. More information is available at: www.ojaiphotoclub.com