SMR official showcases photography

Most know SMR Farms President Mac Carraway as a distinguished agriculturist.

Now, he's showcasing his talent as a nature photographer as well.

Carraway, who has been taking and printing traditional and digital photographs for more than 30 years, will have some of his photographic works displayed through Jan. 8 at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 1015 6th St. W., Palmetto.

Carraway specializes in photographic portraits of Florida flowers, but other featured pieces include infrared landscapes and agricultural scenes, among others.

“My dad was in the printing business when I was a kid, and I loved watching (black and white) prints come up in the developer,” Carraway said. “He later gave me that old equipment after I took a photo course in college. I’ve been taking pictures ever since, and doing my own developing.”

When digital cameras came out, they offered a whole new level of creativity, he said.

Carraway's work was featured in the Palmetto Art Center’s Fall Show earlier this year along with the work of several other local artists and photographers.

“I really do (photography) because I enjoy it, but these opportunities to hang a few pieces were very excited,” Carraway said. “I hope to do more as time permits.”

The Ag Museum is open from 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and the first and third Saturday of the month. The museum will be closed from Dec. 23 to Jan. 4 for the holidays.

Admission is free. For information, call 721-2034.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].