Over the summer, Operation ART photo students had the pleasure of visiting Golden East Railroad Modelers in Rocky Mount, NC.  Students focused on techniques to capture extreme close-ups of small subjects, revealing intricate details invisible to the naked eye. 

Thank you Golden East Railroad Modelers and Operation ART Instructor, Ian Slade, for making this happen!

CVMA Photos by Larry Blakenship

Digital photographs

I am a veteran of eight years in the USAF. I enjoy photography because it allows you to capture a moment in time or to create and preserve something from your imagination. 

Tina's life has been shaped by her deep sense of service, first as a United States Marine for five years, and later as a supportive spouse throughout her husband Scott’s 24-year career in the Marine Corps and Navy Reserve. As a mother of five and grandmother of four, she has always placed family and community at the heart of her life. Her journey into photography began as a gift—a camera that became a gateway to a newfound passion. Initially unfamiliar with the craft, Tina embraced the challenge, allowing photography to evolve into a means of exploring and capturing the beauty of life’s everyday moments. Whether it’s the serene landscapes of nature, the quiet resilience of veterans, or the love shared within families, Tina’s work reflects a profound connection to the world around her and God’s creation. Tina’s photography is characterized by a deep appreciation for the extraordinary in the ordinary. Tina’s Christian faith is the cornerstone of both her life and her photography. She uses her camera as a tool to reveal the presence of God in the world around her, capturing His light in moments of joy and in the quiet beauty of life’s challenges. From a “Foggy Morning” bathed in sunlight to intimate moments shared between loved ones, her photography bears witness to the divine in everyday life. 

I served 7-1/2 yrs on active duty, including Desert Shield & Storm, in Services & MWR. My 1st week on the job I found out that included Mortuary Affairs, & later search & recovery. In my art I look for candid shots, signs of life/living, details, expressions. I choose animals mainly because they generally show true expression, not posed.