William High Gallery exhibit trumpets work of musician and Laney alum

The William High Gallery in the Laney Photography Department has opened a small lobby to exhibit the works of students and artists in the community. They are currently displaying the works of former Laney student and photographer Dale Nabeta. 
The gallery is featuring eight photos of Nabeta’s, all images of live musical performances. Each image pulls you in, one being of a trumpet player, eyes closed, cheeks puffed out, you can almost hear the blare of his instrument.

Music is another great passion of Nabeta’s. He plays bass, guitar and keyboards. While shooting, Nabeta said he is always looking for that indescribable moment. “Sometimes I’ll capture it,” Nabeta said, “and sometimes it never happens.” 
Although Nabeta enjoys shooting all types of scenery, his favorite subjects are people, he always doing his best to bring out their personality in his photos. 
Nabeta is originally from Berkeley and works at Laney College in the IT department. While attending Laney, Nabeta studied the basics of photography, also taking an interest in video production and graphic arts.

Being an amateur photographer, his advice to anyone pursuing photography is to keep shooting.
“Practice is the best teacher,” he said. He added that taking photos is a great way to relax and do something artistic. 
He also encourages shooting in various settings with different light to gain better knowledge of how to work a camera. 
“I think I am fortunate to have a natural instinct for composition and color, but honestly I do not take pictures to please anyone but myself,” he said.
In displaying students’ artwork, the gallery hopes to empower the artists while demonstrating their acquired skills from studying photography at Laney. 
“We are privileged to have this type of space to offer this opportunity to our students,” said Michael Mejia, chairperson of the Photography Department. 
“The gallery has the power to express a validation of a students’ vision and extinguish themselves.” 
There will be four photography exhibits in all; the first show was by Laura Wong, a Laney student who showcased a series of photos titled “En La Luchita: Photos of a Cuban Boxing Gym.” The third show after Nabeta’s will be by student Tammy George’s, followed by student Joel Wiechert’s. 
Laney Photography instructor Black Moon, who teaches “Looking at Images: The History and Aesthetics of Photography,” said Nabeta was asked to showcase some work after she viewed his photos online.“He has a bright poppy style that perfectly fits his subject,” Moon said. Indeed, each of Nabeta’s photographs are colorful and lively. 
Because displaying your work can be scary Moon is excited to be able to support the photography students. It gives the students a chance to receive feedback as well as being able to see their work on more than just a computer screen.“We love our photography students!” said Moon.
Nabeta and the Photography Department would like to thank everyone who came down to support him. His photos will be up until Mar. 18. If anyone is interested in showcasing some photographs in the William High Gallery, they can contact Black Moon at bmoon(at)peralta.edu.