Members' Showcase: Almost a Quitter by Lolli Buran

Lolli Buran’s photography practice took shape after a turning point, when frustration with her mirrorless camera nearly made her walk away. She told herself she’d sell her gear at the end of 2024 if it didn’t start feeling right, but she didn’t quit. Instead, she kept going, giving herself the freedom to learn, experiment, and take just as many “bad” photos as good ones along the way.

Please join us for our Summer Opening reception on Friday, May 22nd, from 4-6 PM. The Reception will be held in conjunction with the opening of Masters of Design and is free and open to the public.

Additionally, please join us for a special “Meet The Artist” Reception on Friday, June 26th, from 4-6 PM. Lolli will give a brief presentation at 5 PM. The reception is free and open to the public.

Bio:
My name is Lolli Buran. After retiring from a 40-year corporate career in engineering, my husband and I have made the Adirondack Mountains our home while wintering near our sons in Northern California.

Story:
How many times have you started a new habit, resolution, routine and decided to just quit! Well, I almost quit on photography and myself. My photography practice evolved from a simple turning point when I became frustrated with my mirrorless camera equipment, and declared that I would sell my gear at the end of 2024 if I did not begin to enjoy using it.

Instead of quitting, I chose to stay and learn by practicing, allowing myself to take as many “bad” photos as good ones. Learning from accomplished nature and wildlife photographers, including a winter moose adventure in Jackson Hole, helped deepen my technical skills.

Along the way, I found a supportive community of fellow photographers who continue to encourage and inspire me. I did eventually sell most of my original equipment… but not to quit! I traded in and invested in new and used cameras and lenses as my skills and confidence grew.

Today, photography brings me a sense of calm and healing as I wander through nature and life, capturing a photo here and there. One of my most personal and impactful images features exposed tree roots, a subject that reflects what draws me to photography itself: resilience, interconnectedness, and revealing what lies beneath the surface.

Into each piece, I inject a little "Lolli Logic". Through my work, I invite you to pause, look closer, and experience nature with curiosity and the quiet attention that continues to inspire me.