Marilyn Saks-McMillion

Artist Statement

I am a photographer based in my hometown of Washington, DC. My retirement after a long career in international affairs has allowed me to deepen my interest in photography and look for different ways of seeing everyday, ordinary things. During COVID, I focused on the hyper-local: day-to-day objects in my home, backyard and Capitol Hill neighborhood. I honed my skills with online digital photography courses focusing on light, composition, and color, and with thematic challenges to sharpen my skills of observation and creativity. My photographs include unique aspects of living in the nation’s capital, and I am inspired by my domestic and international travel, including living and working in Barcelona and Beijing.
Major interests include the power of light and shadow on architecture, interiors, street scenes, plant life, landscapes, reflections, skyscapes, and daily life. Color is also a strong through-line. I am also interested in capturing what I call "signs of the times" that are more political or social commentary.
For me, photography has been a way to explore the world around me, and a way to keep my sanity when things seem to be going insane. It helps me focus on things that are real and tangible. They do not require deep thought or interpretation, although on closer inspection many do reveal details or surprises not seen at first. I hope to inspire viewers to slow down and experience these slices of life and to see things they might otherwise overlook, like the pollen left on a petal by a pollen-laden bee. Perhaps they can mind-travel to places they may never visit – but might be inspired to. Generally, my photos are representational and in color. Sometimes I edit them into black and white for a timeless feeling, or by zooming in for a close up, some are transformed into near abstractions.
Photography helps me see myself as a lifelong learner who is very much still on a learning curve and is eager to learn more. To paraphrase Pablo Picasso, I hope that seeing my photography shakes off some of the dust of daily life.
My smartphone - which is always with me - is what I use for all of my photography.

Portfolio

Capturing Diana, the Huntress

Photography

$150.00

Marilyn Saks-McMillion

Artist Statement

Links

Portfolio

Capturing Diana, the Huntress

Untitled

DC Arrival of the National Guard 20250820_170918

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Lake Dobbiaco, Italian Dolomites

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Blazing

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Makes You Just Wanna Dance

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Varenna Raindrop

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Riffles - Look Closer

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Serene Green

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Raindrop - A World Within

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Nature's Ikat

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Marina Masts

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Moonlight on Belgrade Lake, Maine

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Bee_Bye_Bye

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Bumblebee_Marking_3_o'clock

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Tuscan_Engineer

Emerging

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Pale_Blue_Moth

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Palest_Green_Moth

Marilyn_Saks_McMillion_Bottoms_Up

Mariyn_Saks-McMillion_Bumblebee_Balancing_Act

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Blue_Butterfly

Marilyn_Saks-McMillion_Damselfly

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