Sterling Heights May Artist of the Month Marc Garrison takes photographs of varying elements of nature, then digitally enhances the images to produce different pictures. Source photo by Deanna Rose

Garrison, the Sterling Heights Artist of the Month for May, captures images in nature and then makes various enhancements using digital filtering techniques on his computer at home. The entire process has become so streamlined, he said, he is able to snap a picture in his yard, then manipulate the photo and print it within an hour if needed.

The Birmingham resident began taking pictures many years ago, when his sons - who are now 28 and 30 - were active and playing sports.

“When they moved out of the house, I kind of missed that,” Garrison said. So, he turned to nature photography and has focused on that for the past nearly eight years.

Although Garrison took a course in photography at Washtenaw Community College, along with other classes “here and there,” he was never formally trained in the art. “I’ve always had it as a hobby I enjoy,” Garrison said.

When he’s not spending his days working as a food distributor, Garrison shoots pictures in parks and botanical gardens - with a special penchant for taking photos at Cranbrook. He enjoys using a macro lens on his camera so he can get very close to his subjects.

Although he has done portraits, Garrison has stayed away from photographing weddings.

“Right now my focus is mostly on flowers and nature,” he said. “When you’re out there by yourself, it’s kind of a relaxing time.”

Garrison sells his images on his Web site - garrisonphotography.net - and he also does custom prints upon request. His artwork will be on display in the lower level of the Sterling Heights City Hall for the month of May.