The University Union Gallery at Sac State is exhibiting work from photographer Ilse Spivek, whose work is known for capturing everyday experiences in a romantic style. The exhibit titled “People, Places & Things” runs from Feb. 19 to March 16.

Spivek says she tries to paint photos with light.

“I try to capture the essence of a person, the personality and the physical attributes,” Spivek said.

“First of all I hope people enjoy looking at them and in a new way, not as everyday subjects,” she added.

She has always loved art and this was a good way of expressing herself artistically.

During her 50 years as a photographer Spivek traveled the world taking pictures of different people and places. She specializes in environmental family portraits where she goes to people’s homes or outdoor events to take photos of them.

“When I see a subject and it inspires me, I try to capture it with my camera,” Spivek said.

Spivek likes to experiment with different techniques to create truly unique photographs, which can be seen through one photo in particular on exhibit. The photograph titled “Artist,” left me with a sense of awe due to its complexity in technique.

It featured a woman’s silhouette as the center of the photo, but within that silhouette two other pictures of the same woman are seen at different angles.

“There was no particular technique. It was an experiment in trying different things to show the aspect of a person. This person was an artist, I thought this was a good way to portray her,” Spivek said.

Another photo in her exhibit that drew me in was “Reflections,” which gives the observer both an abstracted and true image of the desert; the abstracted view through wine glasses.

“It was a winery in Tuscany, I felt that it was a very unusual way of depicting a still life,” Spivek said.

Spivek was born in Berlin, Germany and educated in German and British schools. Her family moved to the United States in 1939 where Spivek studied at the Institute of Design, Bauhaus School in Chicago.

She began as a head photographer for a studio in Chicago and later received her own studios in Norfolk Virginia, Los Angeles and Sacramento, California.

Her photos have been featured in many local publications such as “Rangefinder Magazine,” “The Sacramento Bee,” and “Parent’s Magazine.”

Spivek is also involved in civic duties such as president of the League of Women Voters, chair of the Crocker-Kingsley Art Show and a member of Soroptomists International, a philanthropic organization.

An artist reception will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday March 4. The University Union Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Wednesdays and Thursdays 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.