who is
Tamra Gentry?
I’M TAMRA M. GENTRY, A FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN ABSTRACT MACRO AND CLOSE-UP PHOTOGRAPHY OF ROCKS.
Did you land here via search engine? I created this ABOUT SITE for the sole purpose of helping to clarify search results.
About
"When your mouth drops open, click the shutter."
-HAROLD FEINSTEIN
WHAT I DO
I Shoot Rocks.
As a photographer with a passion for abstract macro and close-up photography, I am drawn to the intricate and mesmerizing inner worlds of rocks. Whenever a stone comes into focus under my lens, I am captivated by the extraordinary, otherworldly formations that emerge from objects that, on the surface, are often deemed to hold little to no discernible value.
What amplifies my fascination further is that these rocks and their breathtaking internal features date back millions—even billions—of years, and the origins of some of the formations within them remain elusive to scientists. This enigmatic quality and limitless opportunities for artistic interpretation ignite my passion to explore and capture these remarkable natural formations through my lens.
What People Say
She Transforms Rocks into Art
“Tamra’s work is nothing short of breathtaking. When you’re standing face to face with one of her photos, there’s a moment when it hits you—wait, this is a rock?! There are these fascinating details you never expect to see that totally stand out on their own, but it’s her remarkable sense of aesthetics that elevates it to a whole new level. She does more than simply take pictures of rocks—she transforms them into incredible works of art that draw you in and cause you to question your place in the universe.”
– M. Nichols
Naturally-colored cross-section of an agate from Turkey.
See My ArtWork
The COLLECTIONS
Carl Sagan once said, “We are made of star stuff.” This simple yet profound truth reminds us that everything on Earth—living and non-living—has origins in the stars. My art celebrates our universal connection by transforming the internal structures of agates, jaspers, petrified flora, and more into windows to the cosmos, inviting us to reflect on the beauty and mysteries of our shared origins. Here’s a sampling of my image collections.
*LATEST: 24th Julia Margaret Cameron Award for Women – Honorable Mentions in Nature (Professional) for “Paradigm Shift,” “A Different Kind of Nebula,” and “Untitled.”
CURRENT EXHIBITION
TERRAIN: Abstract Contemporary Landscapes
May 1 - June 20, 2025
500 N. Dixie Hwy
Lake Worth, Florida
Excerpt from the gallery: “…TERRAIN: Contemporary Abstract Landscapes highlights how artists blend forms, textures, colors and patterns to evoke the essence of landscapes rather than replicate them. In doing so, they transofrm the familiar elements of nature—such as terrain, light, and space—into unique abstract expressions. Through diverse mediums, including painting, drawing, printmaking, digital art, mixed media, and photography, the works in this exhibition reflect the multifaceted nature of the landscape, providing a deeper, often more personal connection to the world around us.”
Sifting Through Search Results
Got the right Tamra?
I’m not the unicorn I used to be. There was a time, in the early days of search engines when I started my first business, when online queries for “Tamra Gentry” brought up only one result: me.
Over the years, I’ve discovered several people share my name—some of them are even photographers. To complicate matters further, someone has been impersonating me and using an old, defunct business name of mine for over a decade.
So, which Tamra Gentry am I?
Given the confusing search results, I want to clarify who I am, what I do—and what I don’t do.
ABOUT MY PHOTOGRAPHY.
I am a full-time fine art photographer specializing in abstract macro and close-up photography of rocks. My work focuses exclusively on this niche, though I occasionally shoot nature and wildlife images for personal enjoyment. I am not professionally affiliated with any other genre of photography. To clarify search results for Tamra Gentry, there is a landscape photographer with a similar name, and a wedding and portrait specialist named Tammy Gentry (not endorsements or recommendations). You can explore my online gallery at www.tamragentryphotography.com.
ABOUT MY JEWELRY.
As a former contemporary studio jeweler and metalsmith with nearly two decades of experience, my work has been showcased at prestigious venues such as the Illinois Artisans Program for Fine Craft, the Smithsonian Craft Show, the CraftForms International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Fine Craft, and others. Here are a few of my favorite pieces I’ve made.
My Fordite collection was a limited body of work that I concluded in 2012. I have compiled a small archive of some of my past work to help distinguish my authentic designs from fraudulent uses of my former business name.
I no longer make jewelry on a full-time basis. Anything you see online that does not originate at this site is either old work, or is not work made by me.
EVERYTHING ELSE.
If something seems off or uncharacteristic of what is known about my work—whether it’s wire-wrapped Fordite jewelry (none of my work is or has ever been wire-wrapped), mass-produced jewelry with dried flowers and resin, jewelry inspired by casino chips and train track parts, or false claims of multiple offices employing professionals from around the world—rest assured, it’s not me. For the record, I have never had any connection to Dutch casino VC financiers. (Because, really?)
In today’s world where mis- and disinformation are all too common, I encourage you to double-check sources and reach out directly if you have questions. Feel free to contact me using the form below or connect with me on social media—I am always happy to chat about my work.
In my Chicago jewelry studio. (Image circa 2007)
In my Elgin jewelry and hand engraving studio. (Image 2019)
Top left: Malawi blue agate (from Sam Silverhawk); Top Right: cheetah jasper (from Sam Silverhawk); Bottom: Zebra Rock. (Image circa 2009)
Have Questions?
Get In Touch
My artwork is available in the form of stunning limited edition museum-quality metal, acrylic, and archival pigment prints. If you would like to acquire a piece or learn more about what I do, please contact me via the form below or visit my website. I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
My complete portfolio of work will be available soon in my online gallery, www.tamragentryphotography.com.
I respect your privacy and will never share your information.
Image: “Green Apparition” – Indonesian fossilized wood. 2023.