By Allison McNeill
Carrboro Commons Writer

“One publication in National Geographic would be worth 20 scientific publications,” says Dave Otto, a photographer and retired research scientist. Otto’s exhibit of nature photos from the Bolin Creek area opened at Carrboro Town Hall Feb. 8, and the photographer is thrilled.

Dave Otto, photographer, has fond memories of the day he took “Monet a Bolin Creek.” As he says, “I was surprised to see a Monet painting floating on the surface.”
Staff photo by Allison McNeill

The show, titled “Bolin Creek and Woodlands: Natural Treasures,” includes numerous pictures of the creek, as well as local plants and wildlife. The exhibit will be on display through March 28.

The photos, which were taken over the last few years, have been printed on canvas using the giclée method, which gives the photographs the appearance of paintings.

Although he has not always been a professional photographer, Otto said that he has been interested in photography since childhood. “My mom gave me a Brownie Bucks camera when I was 8 years old and I have been taking pictures ever since,” Otto said.

Rather than make photography his career, Otto decided to work for the Environmental Protection Agency. He retired last year after 40 years with the government.

“I’m delighted to be retired to be able to devote my time to things I love,” Otto said.

Originally from Massachusetts, his work with the EPA brought him to Raleigh. He then settled in Carrboro in the late 1970s after working on a study that focused on the effects of lead exposure on the cognitive functions of children.

The photography display in Carrboro Town Hall is Otto’s first official exhibit.

One of the most popular pieces is titled “Monet à Bolin Creek.” Otto said he was walking along Bolin Creek two years ago and “was surprised to see a Monet painting floating on the surface.” Otto added that he has sold many copies of this photo, and that people are often shocked to learn that is a photo rather than a painting.

Sarah Williamson, the Town Clerk of Carrboro, who lives in Orange County, says that “Creek Below Adams Preserve” is her favorite photo of Otto’s. Otto enjoys this picture because of the legend that comes with it.
Staff photo by Allison McNeill

Other photographs, such as “Creek Below Adams Preserve,” tell a story. The legend behind the Preserve, as told by Otto, is that when General Sherman marched through Bolin Creek, he came upon a small cave, where he decided to store his weapons. The president of the University then made a deal with Sherman to surrender the Chapel Hill and Carrboro area in exchange for Sherman’s promise not to destroy the area.

One common theme in Otto’s photos has been reflections. “The reflection distorts images until they become more and more abstract,” Otto said. “I liked it the more abstract it got.”

Another photo, “Forest Below Leaves” is “like looking into a kaleidoscope,” he said.

Otto, who lives practically next door the creek, is the chair of Friends of Bolin Creek, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the area. “Some people like to travel to exotic places to take beautiful pictures,” Otto said. “I just walk out my door.” Otto found out about the organization shortly after it formed and soon became involved.

The long-term dream of the group, Otto said, is to establish a natural hiking path from Jordan Lake up to Twin Creek Park, where there are already some official paths, and then eventually up to the Virginia border.

Otto uses an Olympus 550 with an 18x optical zoom. He has been able to take photos of wildlife ranging from a passion flower flea beetle to a bull frog. Otto said he prefers to take photos during summer, “because even the bugs think it’s too hot to move.”

The Friends of Bolin Creek is working with Carrboro to establish a park and preserve around the area of Bolin Creek. Another goal of the organization is to provide public access to Lake Hogan, a section of Bolin Creek that was dammed up and is currently private.

Otto said that the organization works closely with the mayor and the Board of Alderman and that he is “delighted with the current Board of Alderman because it’s the best chance to make progress.”

Otto said he chose to display his exhibit at the Town Hall because of the people who would walk by the photos everyday. According to Otto, many of the Carrboro officials have not seen Bolin Creek. Otto hopes those officials will “understand the treasure we have in the palm of our hands.”

Otto’s next photo exhibit is set for June. Although Otto originally had no plans to show his photos, he later changed his mind.

“If a tree falls in a forest but no one hears it, does it make a sound?” Otto said. “If I take all these photos and no one sees them, it’s all for naught.”