Deb Zeller of Victoria won first place in the Pets category for 2014’s Lens on Lake Minnetonka photo contest. Her photo, “Water Dog,” features her nephew, John Kenison, and his dog, Buddy. Zeller says she captured the moment spontaneously at her birthday celebration.
“The whole family got together and we were having a fun day at the lake. Buddy loves to be on the water but not in the water,” she says. “He would not get off the kayak!”
Zeller says she always has one of her two cameras with her and loves taking photos of people, animals and nature. She says her love for all types of photos makes it hard for her to pick a favorite.
Her passion for photography began at a young age and has remained strong throughout her life. She attributes much of it to her mother, who was an avid photographer. “My mom was always taking pictures of our family and scenery when I was growing up,” says Zeller. “She taught me good composition and a love for the camera.”
Zeller now uses her photography as a tribute to her mother, who died last year, which makes Zeller’s hobby all the more special.
