Ms. Wise is one of 125 photographers whose work was recently selected by Women in Photography International for its 25th anniversary exhibit entitled "Turning Silver." Ms. Wise's winning entry is a black and white photo shot in 1987, entitled "Pond Divers."

The exhibit is displayed on the Internet and will become a permanent part of the WIPI archive. "It was wonderful fun" to be part of this virtual gallery concept, Ms. Wise said.

She recalled the day she decided to capture that winning image of her sister and her dog in mid-air at the very moment of a dive into the pond.

"It just sort of was the day to do it," she said. "I probably shot three shots and this was the first one." Ms. Wise said she knew she had the photo she wanted even before the film was developed.

Today, digital photography allows both amateur and professional photographers to view the captured image right away on the camera, without waiting for film development. "It's really wonderful to see what you've got," said Ms. Wise. "I thought it was great (technology) from the moment I could get a digital (camera) in my hand."

The traditional darkroom of the professional photographer has been nearly replaced by computer optimizing, and that allows for "so much more control over the image," she said. While she still does a little black and white work herself, she now has to commute to her darkroom. Last year she donated her professional darkroom equipment to the Delaplaine Visual Arts Center.

"It's a wonderful thing to not have to spend so much time in the dark," she said.

A person who finds inspiration all around her, Ms. Wise said photography "is my life. I pretty much understood that early on. I think of myself as somebody who has her eye out all the time for something that interests me. I never really know what each day is going to bring, so it's always kind of fun to get up in the morning. Something comes up and off you go."

Ms. Wise describes herself as a documentarian. "I'm really interested in architecture and people. I like realism." Her work includes family portraits, architectural pieces, and photos shot on location.

Besides the WIPI exhibit, Ms. Wise's work will be included in exhibits this fall at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Center, as well as a gallery in Union Bridge, and another in Kentucky.

She has taken photos in many places, but Frederick remains a prime location for photographers, Ms. Wise said. "We have a distinct look and a distinct style and a lot of beautiful light."

The downside? "Too many wires and too many signs."

Ms. Wise has devoted much of her life to her career, but said she has received much in return. "I've been all sorts of places and met all sorts of people I might not have otherwise met."

Her journey, she said, has been "all about watching the weather and following the light."

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.