Lyla Reichart honed her skills of taking the perfect shot as an archer; she owned an archery store, participated in tournaments, won North American indoor and outdoor titles and even won gold for Team Canada in 1986 in the World Field Archery Championships in Scotland.
But these days, she is taking a different kind of shot — as a photographer.
When asked if she sees parallels between photography and archery, she said, “There's a lot that goes into the technical aspect of it and body mechanics … the slightest little flinch can make a difference of six inches on the other end.”
She explained the nuances of taking photos with a longer exposure — so the shutter remains open — at night, which allows the camera to capture light that is not visible to the naked eye. Playing with shutter speeds is one of the tactics she used when taking photos of the Aurora Borealis and the Milky Way.
She explained that she edits her photos, but only to enhance them — to improve the lighting, for example — or remove hindrances, such as drops on the lens.
“When I edit, I bring the photo out to what I saw and what I felt in the picture … You have to make it so that it can be seen and felt,” Reichart said. “I don't like it when anything looks fake. I like it when they look real.”
“What I hope for is for people to feel something, too. When they see my photos, I don't want (them) to see something. I want 'em to feel something,” she said.
A fan of French photographer, Serge Ramelli and Ansel Adams, Reichart told InnisfilToday that she opened her Etsy store, The Artful Photo, in 2021. She sells prints on paper, canvas (framed or not) or metal from 8-inch by 10-inch to 40-inch by 90-inch three-piece canvases.
“I am the proud owner of two beautiful large art pieces from The Artful Photo by Lyla,” Fiona Scarlett said.
“Her care, expertise, creativity, and the personal connection I have with such a talented photographer is an experience that speaks to why I love her artwork.”
“Understanding the stories behind each piece makes it even more special, as she has captured the Lake Simcoe area stunningly. They hang in prime areas of my home so I see them every day, throughout the day which makes me very happy.”
Originally from Grey County, Reichart told InnisfilToday about the camera she received as a gift when she was a child. She was captivated by a bird playing in a puddle; her mother was surprised when Reichart used an entire roll of film on her subject.
She still loves taking photos of birds.
"We live in the woods and I didn't know I was gonna be the crazy bird lady, but here I am,” Reichart laughed. She said her wife, Sue, asked her what kind of bird was on a bird feeder outside their home.
“It was a leucistic mourning dove. It was an almost albino mourning dove. So, very rare,” Reichart explained.
Photos like Spring Storm seem just as unlikely an event to capture. Reichart was in Oro-Medonte when her friends in Kempenfelt Bay called her to tell her about the storm that would turn into a picturesque event.
The photo, which features a house where a movie called Campton Manor was shot in 2018, is lit by bolts of lightning in the sky.
“This one was right in line with the house, and it was absolutely perfect the way it worked out.”
“I thought, 'Wow, where is that storm?' ... That storm was in Parry Sound, so that's where that was happening. And it looked like it was … behind their house.”
Reichart has been a resident of Simcoe County for 30 years. She calls Innisfil a great place to “get out and explore,” as the town has a diversity of land, including woods, farms and trails. She and her wife have lived in Innisfil for four years.
For those interested in developing their skills as a photographer, Reichart encourages them to look online, take a class, check out the Barrie Photo Club, and keep taking photographs — no matter the camera you own.
“The best camera you have is the one that you have with you,” she said.
Reichart looks forward to participating in the Innisfil Autumn Art Show and Sale at the Innisfil ideaLAB and Library on Nov. 2 and 3, and the Christmas market at the Barrie and District Association of Realtors on Nov. 10. She is working with Our House in Barrie (55 Dunlop St. E.) to feature some of her bird-themed pieces as well.
“I highly recommend visiting her Etsy shop to see her exquisite shop,” Scarlett said.
Check out The Artful Photo here.
