“Colors of Peru” comes to San Luis Obispo

October 9, 2011

Janna Nichols of San Luis Obispo has been recording the world around her in photographs ever since she took a camera with her to Guatemala while still in high school. That trip sparked a life-long interest in travel, a fitting complement to her interest in photography.

Now, thousands of pictures and thousands of miles later, she is sharing a small slice of her work from a recent trip to South America. “Telling Tales: Colors of Peru,” an exhibit of 18 vibrant photographic portraits by Nichols, will be on display at The Photo Shop at 1027B Marsh Street from October 14 to November 14.

Nichols learned to tell stories with her photos while working as a newspaper reporter and photographer in Oregon, where she grew up. “My heart is drawn to people and wildlife, not places or buildings or monuments,” she says. “And the most compelling stories are from their everyday lives.”

Faces are the focus of the photographs Nichols chose for this show. “I have developed a great respect for people, no matter their circumstances,” she says. “I try to show the kindness, the vibrancy, the resilience of people in my work.”

Photography by Janna Nichols, “Telling Tales: Colors of Peru,” can be seen October 14 through November 14 at The Photo Shop, 1027B Marsh Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. Hours are Monday through Friday 10-6 and Saturday 10-5.

A reception for the photographer and her work will be held at The Photo Shop on Friday, November 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. during “Art After Dark” in downtown San Luis Obispo.