Shutterbugs to raise money for Carson High

It started with a Lonestar Beer sign.

That was the first thing Sandra Marshall photographed and then digitally colorized. Since then, her passion for photography has continued to grow.

"(That photo) doesn't look anything like the work I do now," Marshall said.

Marshall and her husband, George Matthews, both find comfort behind a camera. Her with black-and-white photos she colorizes and him with nature photos.

"People think that it's easy, that you just go out, point the camera and hit a button but it's definitely more difficult than that," Marshall said.

Matthews said, "I'm an outdoorsman so that's how I got into it."

The duo's work can be seen hanging in their home above books on photography that are strewn across tables and neatly tucked into bookcases.

"He's been doing it for 17 years, but I started doing coloring about a year and a half ago," Marshall said. "I'd seen books and other exhibits using coloring and I just like the atmosphere it creates."

Matthews is quick to point out that he sees a distinct difference between what he does and what his wife does.

"The coloring, that's the artistic and creative side. All I do is record, she creates," Matthews said.

This weekend, the couple's photos will migrate from their home in Carson City to the Carson High School Holiday Craft Fair.

The annual event is a fundraiser for the CHS student programs. It features more than 100 crafters and artisans, like Marshall and Matthews, as well as food, raffles and even a visit from Santa Claus.

The fair begins at 5 p.m. Friday and runs through 8:30 p.m. It then reopens Saturday morning at 9 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m.

In a change from last year, a separate raffle will be held Friday night with a raffle ticket included in the cost of admission.

"We wanted to give the Friday night visitors a little extra incentive because of the higher cost," said event organizer Cathy Barbie.

Barbie is a teacher at Eagle Valley Middle School and her husband teaches at the CHS.

The event traditionally raises more than $10,000 for programs at the school and in past years the money has been used to pay for a van for students going to Washington, D.C., new uniforms and additional equipment for several sports and clubs.

For Marshall and Matthews, the fair provides an opportunity to display their passion while helping a good cause.

If you go

What: The 12th annual Holiday Craft Fair at Carson High School

When: 5-8:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

Where: Carson High School, 1111 N. Saliman Road

Admission: $2 Friday night and $1.50 Saturday or $1 with a can of food.

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.