For local photographer and businesswoman, Alisa Steck, taking photographs is a lifelong passion. “I strive to shoot images that capture the essence of a place, rather than just document the location,” she explained. “I want the images to take you somewhere else. I’m especially obsessed with the other-worldliness of fog and water. I love shooting long exposures, as it captures the magical feeling of being in such a beautiful space.”

Capturing a beautiful place and moment was exactly what she’d hoped for when she took her photograph at Marymere Falls located in the Olympic National Park. The photograph, titled “Woman and Waterfall” was later submitted to the “Wet: Reflections on Water” photography exhibition at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Galleryin downtown Port Townsend, where Alisa was awarded the $500 Curator’s Choice Award this past April. 

“Although my work has been selected for other juried exhibits, this is my first ‘Curator’s Choice’ award,” Alisa shared. “I was excited to have two of my images chosen for the ‘Wet: Reflections on Water’ show, and completely blown away that my image ‘Woman and Waterfall’ was selected for the award.”  The second image was taken at Rocky Brook Falls in Brinnon, titled “Waterfall and Curious Dog”.  Alisa’s photos were among 47 other entries exploring the power of water.

A born and bred New Yorker, Alisa earned her BFA from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, and spent a year in Rome studying art. After college, she moved to California, where she worked in photography production for large creative agencies such as Corbis and Getty Images. While visiting friends in the Pacific Northwest in 2008, she and her husband completely fell in love with the area and subsequently relocated to Bainbridge Island. “Now I have moss running through my veins” she joked, “this is home.”  

As she notes on her website, “A fascination with the ethereal nature of fog has been a source of endless inspiration for my photography. My focus is on the beautiful waterfalls and waterways of Washington State.” However, she also has a passion for vineyards and small farms around Kitsap County.  “I’m a strong believer that people should know where their food comes from,” Alisa said. “It has been a deeply rewarding experience, getting to know the people behind our local bounty. Farmers, brewers and vintners are the hardest workers around, but they love what they do and their craftsmanship should be celebrated.”

In addition to her photography, Alisa and her husband, Joseph, own Rocketroom, a Bainbridge Island based graphic design firm, that focuses on a broad range of design, typography, photography and technology to create personalized branding for their clients. If that wasn’t enough to keep Alisa busy, she’s currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching, “so I can pass on the joy of discovery and creativity through education.”

Alisa’s photography is featured on Saatchi Art (https://www.saatchiart.com/AlisaSteck) and is shown in various Kitsap area galleries with group-show exhibits. For a current list of exhibits, visit her website at alisafoto.com and on Instagram @alisasteckfoto/.