Long-time neighbors find a common interest

QUINCY - Two Quincy women are sharing a love for photography, but it took 11 years as neighbors to discover their common interest.

The Quincy Public Library is displaying photos taken by Heidi Manly and Leslie Tobin.

Three years ago, Tobin showed Manly how to use a photo program. After all the time as neighbors, and a surprise to both, they learned they had been taking similar photos of flowers and insects. They have dubbed themselves the "Clickin' Moms."

Both Tobin and Manly said many of their photos are often unplanned, which means always carrying around a camera to catch those unexpected moments in nature.

Many of Manly's photos on display include close-ups of insects, birds and flowers, and photos of her daughter.

"They are mostly nature shots from my own yard, my flowers or whichever bug or bird decides to visit us," she said.

Manly said she enjoys "seeing the details of nature such as the intricate designs on the wings of a butterfly or the corbicula (pollen basket) on a bee."

"I love seeing the pollen on the anthers of flowers," she added.

For Tobin, her family, nature and live concerts have become many of the subjects in her photos.

"I am delighted when my photos make others feel good about themselves or bring back a happy memory," she said.

Although many of the photos are unexpected, there are times she plans ahead.

"I try and challenge myself to be more creative and see things in different ways," Tobin said.

Besides taking photos, Tobin also likes to collect old cameras.

"I've been passionate about photography since I was 15 and currently collect vintage cameras and equipment," she said.

Many of Tobin's photos have been used in publications, with one making its way onto an album sleeve for the classic rock band Quiet Riot.

Tobin, who was born and raised in Seattle, has been married to her husband, Greg, for 23 years and has seven children. She said she also enjoys spending time with family, traveling, playing guitar, gardening and hiking.

Manly, who also moved to Quincy from Seattle, attended Quincy High School and has been married to her husband, Mickey, for 23 years and has two children.

"I love anything to do with nature," she said. "I enjoy gardening and have several varieties of flowers and plants in our yard which attract many different kinds of insects and birds."

The two women's photos now sit as neighbors at the Quincy library, at 208 Central Ave. S, and will be on display until September.