‘Thru the Lens’ provides new perspective on the world around us

By Sarah Richard

When most people think of art, they likely imagine beautiful oil paintings of scenic landscapes, or a hand-drawn illustration that brings them back to a beloved memory. Or perhaps they envision a colorful sculpture that represents a specific moment in time, or a work of art hung in a museum, long regarded as a masterpiece.

But of all the mediums we know and appreciate, photography is unique. Invented in the early 1800s, photography is regarded as a mechanical art form. While it may not appear as tedious as the act of painting a portrait or piecing together a stained-glass window by hand, photography is a medium that captures the most intricate details that may not even be noticeable to the naked eye.

Photography highlights the importance of perspective – two people can photograph the same subject, but the result depends entirely on their desired composition. Is one photographer closer to the subject? Is one photographing from a higher angle? What about the type of lens used? Technology can be a big help in capturing a stunning photo, but ultimately, it falls to the person behind the lens to create the art.

Appreciating all forms of art is something that Gulf Coast Village, Cape Coral’s only life plan community, prides itself on. The community launched its ongoing partnership with the North Fort Myers Arts Association (NFMAA), “Gulf Coast Gallery,” in November 2024, and the duo has continued to host events that spotlight not just different mediums, but local artists. Some are Gulf Coast Village’s own resident artists, and some are the exceptionally talented members of the NFMAA.

The next gallery exhibit launches on June 25 and is entitled “Thru the Lens,” a tribute to the world around us through stunning photography. Cindy Cone, a photographer of remarkable talent, is the event’s featured artist.

Cone, a former educator of over three decades, began experimenting with photography in college. Summers found her backpacking in our national parks, Pentax SLR always in hand. She’s been exploring the nature that Earth has to offer since she was a senior in high school, when she adopted the hobbies of hiking and birding. Her passions are translated through her photos, which frequently feature birds and other forms of wildlife.

Cone loves to travel, and her love for wildlife brings her to Kenya every few years, the home of one of her top memories: photographing the Wildebeest Migration, a moment that nature enthusiasts across the world hope to experience in their lifetimes.

Cone has certainly gotten up-close and personal with larger-than-life species, like coastal brown bears and giraffes, but when she retired in 2005, she focused on a much smaller specimen: birds. Given her long-standing history of birding and an abundance of newfound time on her hands in Florida, she wanted to capture photos of the new birds she discovered and share those with the world. She remembers first being entranced by the Scarlet Tanager and Indigo Bunting.

Cone is continuously inspired by the need to protect Earth’s wild areas. “Because I’m lucky enough to get to these places and photograph these things, I hope I can share my experiences with others and inspire them as well,” said Cone.

Cone’s conservation and photographic interests expanded as she volunteered on Earthwatch Expeditions in Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica and Kenya. She completed an ornithology class at Cornell’s Laboratory of Ornithology, volunteered for the education program at Glacier National Park, completed Florida Master Naturalist classes, and attended as many workshops and classes with professional nature photographers as she could.

Not only does she appreciate the subjects of her photos, but she constantly strives to enhance her craft. When asked what her favorite picture she’s taken is, Cone replied, “I don’t think I can choose a favorite. I always want to get something better.” But if she had to choose, she’d choose the results that come when she captures a photo and it turns out just the way she saw it in her mind’s eye, before she even clicked the shutter.

She’s received numerous juried awards and has been published in magazines, books and digital media. Her most recent award was for the reFocus 2024 Black and White Photo Contest: People’s Vote award for Wildlife “To the Sun.” The contest received over 5,000 entries from 49 countries.

There’s something magical about Cone’s photos – they make you feel as if you’ve been transported into the Serengeti, side-by-side with the tallest giraffe, or soaring through the gorgeous Florida sunrise with the mourning doves. Being able to capture those moments and getting them to translate the way she wants them to in that particular millisecond is what brings her joy.

If you’re interested in taking a trip through the wilderness right here in Cape Coral, Gulf Coast Village invites you to attend “Thru the Lens,” at 2 p.m. on June 25, located at 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Attendees will have the chance to meet Cone and the other exceptional artists featured in the exhibit, and they’ll even be able to cast a vote for their favorite photography while enjoying wine and cheese. RSVP for “Thru the Lens” by June 18 at GulfCoastVillage.org/Event/Artist-Meet-and-Greet-Thru-The-Lens.

About the author

Sarah Richard is the executive director of Gulf Coast Village, Cape Coral’s only life plan community.