WC People: Ty Brown

Westminster-Canterbury resident Ty Brown is a retired lawyer who spends much of his time “focusing” on photography, his favorite pastime.

Born and raised in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, Ty Brown earned a bachelors degree from Swarthmore College and a law degree from the University of Colorado. Ty worked for 51 years as a lawyer, but took up photography as a hobby after his wife brought home a camera she found on a remote mountain trail. He began shooting photos of his family members, vacations and then joined the St. Louis Camera Club, where he learned the artistic fundamentals of photography. Ty has presented his work through slide shows, competed in and judged local competitions and earned the Photographic Society of America’s Award of Excellence for his achievements in international competitions. 

Ty and his wife Penny moved to Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay in 2004, where he continues to use his camera to capture local life on the Bay and record events on campus. Fellow residents often ask him to shoot family gatherings, and it’s not unusual for friends to call with ideas on unusual subject matter, in hopes that Ty will bring his camera to capture the moment.

For the past 10 years, Ty has volunteered with the Norfolk Botanical Garden Camera Club, at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens where he conducts photography workshops.  He enjoys shooting photos in the gardens, and many of his favorite shots are “macro-images” or close-ups on subject matter, such as a single blossom or flower.

“Seeing the patterns in nature makes me realize that I am really a small part of God’s higher order,” says Ty. “Capturing the things I see is my opportunity to give back.” 

Take a look at some of his shots from the Botanical Gardens below. You can also see Ty's photos highlighted on the Westminster-Canterbury website (like the shot of the pier above) and on the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/WestminsterCanterbury.