Lou Aliotta, Artist

Photographic works by Southport artist Lou Aliotta will be featured at Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash through April 12.

The show, “Lou Aliotta: Photographer's Journal,” includes landscape photos from upstate New York and Southport, floral images and specialty images that were created with a series of color-saturated variations of the same photo.

Aliotta became interested in photography at 14 when he saw a complete darkroom outfit for sail through the Sears catalog. That Christmas, his parents presented him with it, and he spent many hours in a small closet making his first black and white photos—before even having a camera.

Aliotta says, “I purchased my first camera, a 4 x 5 Crown Graphic from the local photo store and also received my first installment loan on pure trust from the shopkeeper. I was hooked on photography and spent much of my time experimenting with exposure, depth of field, lighting and darkroom technique.”

While attending high school in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Aliotta became involved with the school's yearbook and newspaper. He was the sole photographer shooting sports, group shots and taking candid shots.

Aliotta went on to learn about portraiture studying with Master Photographer John Freni. Later during a stint in the Navy, he continued to experiment in photography.

He eventually began his own business, Hudson River Graphics/Framecenter.

“Since moving to Southport in 2005, I have enjoyed photographing the waterfronts, buildings, beaches and florals. I have also been contracted to reproduce artist's images and as an architectural photographer,” Aliotta said.

In addition to working as a photographer, Aliotta is the custom framer at Sunset River Marketplace, where he also exhibits his work.

According to gallery owner Ginny Lassiter, “Lou is one of the most competent and creative framers I've worked with. He's so knowledgeable, but at the same time works easily with our customers. They love him.”

Sunset River Marketplace is at 10283 Beach Drive SW (NC179) in Calabash.

For more information, call 575-5999 or visit the Web site at: www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m..-5 p.m.