A request from a boss has developed into a hobby for Faith Colburn.

A communications technology specialist with the West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte, Colburn previously worked at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. She was writing a series of articles on the wildlife lands of Nebraska when her boss dropped a suggestion.

“My boss told me that I couldn’t just do one thing for Game and Parks,” Colburn said. “He wanted me to do more than just write stories. So, it was about that time that I picked up a camera and started taking pictures.”

She has shot photos of nearly every corner of Nebraska, with compositions ranging from flora and fauna to people and dilapidated homes. Colburn is a 1969 UNL journalism graduate. Her photography skills are primarily self-taught, but Colburn has honed her shutter talents with occasional instruction from experts.

A photo of water lillies taken by Faith Colburn during a stop at Wild Plum Lake, southwest of Lincoln.

“The Game and Parks photographers were always willing to give tips and instruction,” said Colburn. “They really helped me get started.”

Outside of publications for various organizations, Colburn’s photographs have been included in two exhibitions – a solo show at the Unitarian Church in Lincoln and the fourth annual UNL Staff Art Show, on display through Nov. 13 in the Nebraska Union Rotunda Gallery.

For the Staff Art Show, Colburn is showcasing a winter scene and two images of water lilies.

“I’ve wanted to show some of my work in an exhibit for some time,” Colburn said. “I’m three years away from retirement and decided that the time was now.”

She hopes to continue shooting photos in retirement. One of her primary projects is writing and illustrating a family memoir. She has started the project, including taking pictures of the family homestead in Otoe County before delivering her photos to the staff art exhibition on Nov. 1.

“I will keep shooting photos because it’s something I really enjoy doing,” said Colburn. “I plan to get more things printed and framed. That way, I can have an exhibition that shows the variety of what I’m able to do.”

– By Troy Fedderson, University Communications