#FMGram: Amateur photographer shares scenes of Fargo

FARGO-Shane Mercer first experimented with photography as a kid, when his equipment was a pinhole camera he built with his father. Now, he's processing and exposing digital photos to create vibrant works of art while capturing the images of life he finds in Fargo and the surrounding region. Mercer, a Tennessee native and Fargo resident for the past seven years, shares his latest photos of buildings and signs, people and nightlife on his website, www.picturesoffargo.com. A few months ago, he also joined Instagram (@picturesoffargo) as a way of showcasing the work he does in his free time. The former Forum reporter and current digital marketing specialist for The Village Family Service Center in Fargo said he took up photography as a hobby a few years ago. He'd like to be an established fine art photographer someday, displaying his work in museums and galleries.

But for now, he said he's having a good time learning new techniques and getting the right shot as an amateur. "It seems like the more professional you get with it, the less fun it is," he said.

1/6: A pond on Eighth Street South in Fargo.

2/6: This image was taken looking south on University Drive.

3/6: The Minnesota State University Moorhead Fourth of July fireworks display at Bluestem Center for the Arts this year.

4/6: I zoomed the lens during a long exposure to make the lights stream in this image of the Fargo Theatre sign downtown.

5/6: I saw this shell while attending a baptism on the Wild Rice River near Twin Valley, Minn. I fell in love with it.

6/6: This barn or elevator (or whatever exactly it is) is relatively near Fargo. If memory serves me right, I only got one shot at this image. My battery went dead after this exposure.