The Chesapeake gave her a way to express herself and lifted the spirits of others
When Poland native Mal Baker moved to Havre de Grace, MD, near the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, she learned that her photographs of the red sky at sunset and the blue herons on the dock not only gave her a way to express herself in a new country but also lifted the spirits of those who had never noticed the beauty around them.
How does a young girl from Poland end up in Havre de Grace?
I spent my summer vacation in Brooklyn, NY, when I was 18, met, and married my husband within a few months, and never lived in Poland again. My husband’s work brought us to Havre de Grace seven years ago from New Jersey, and we instantly fell in love with the community. You never know where you’ll land when you take a leap in life.
What inspired you to start photography?
When we first moved here, we had two young sons who wanted to get involved in sports. I started taking pictures of them and posted them on social media. It was not long before I got messages from people I didn’t know telling me to keep at it because they couldn’t be at the game. My whole family is back in Poland, and I simply wanted to make sure people could see what was happening if they could not be there in person. I set up a page just for parents that became very popular.
How have others responded to your work?
I express myself through my photographs, and it has become a way for people to get to know me. So many people get caught up in their lives they do not see the beauty around them. We live in such a magnificent area with the eagles, sunrises, blue herons, fish, boats… all of it. I hear from people who are depressed, bed-ridden, or in a hospital who have lived in Havre de Grace their whole life and have never seen what they see in one of my photographs. That is such a special feeling for me to know I have given them something to lift their spirits.
What is your trick to taking photographs on the water?
Go as early as possible. My husband and I get up at 4:20 in the morning and head out in our small boat. The sunrises are unbelievable. That is when you see all the wildlife and fish in action. One morning, I saw 15 eagles in one spot. If possible, avoid the weekends because the water can become full of boaters.
What can you tell us about the fall art show?
We have the region’s oldest outdoor art show. This year it will be held October 22-23 on two parks overlooking the Susquehanna River and the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay [Millard Tydings Memorial and Concord Point Parks] with a connecting promenade.
Where do you aim your camera on land?
One of my favorites is the lighthouse. At the golden hour before sunset, you can walk out on the pier, turn around and face the lighthouse, and see it in beautiful colors. That is when the sky is most dramatic. There is a blue heron that resides there as if it owns the place, and sometimes a bald eagle shows up. Some of my favorites of the lighthouse are taken in different seasons of the year.
How would you best describe your work?
Honestly, I cannot put it into words. The nature around me is that beautiful. That is why I take pictures to keep what I see alive and share it with others.
To see more of Mal’s work, go to malgorzatabakerphotography.mypixieset.com or find her Facebook at Malgorzata Baker Photography.
By Gwen Mayes
About the interviewer: Gwen Mayes is a writer, life coach, workshop host, and docent for the Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park. Find her at anchortoself.com.
