Mama G - a.k.a. - Lorraine Guthrie
- October 31, 2007
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- By Story/Photos by Dharma Mum – Gayla Schaefer
Before I begin to tell this month's tale… allow me to channel Simon & Garfunkel for a moment…
When I think back
On all the crap I learned in high school
It's a wonder
I can think at all
And though my lack of education
Hasn't hurt me none
I can read the writing on the wall
Kodachrome...
They give us those nice bright colors
They give us the greens of summers
Makes you think all the world's a sunny day, oh yeah
I got a Nikon camera
I love to take a photograph
So, Mama don't take my Kodachrome away!
To most of you, the woman in this month's spotlight is known simply as "Mama G," surf photog extraordinaire for SurfGuru.com.
To family, friends and the fifth grade students at Treasure Coast Elementary in Sebastian, this dynamo behind the lens is better known as Lorraine Guthrie (or Mrs. Guthrie to the young 'ens).
"I am a teacher, so I generally work from 8 to 5," she says. "Unless there's waves. Then, I take off as early as I can to hit up the beach."
Although she began college at FAU as an art major, foreshadowing her photographic prowess, Mama G changed majors when she realized she liked working with kids more than art.
"At first I thought I'd be an art teacher but after working at an elementary school as an aide I realized I wanted to teach and have my own class," she explains. "It's been a great choice that I love! Other than motherhood, it's the best job for me."
Mama G is actually Mama to four kids: Daniel 29, Matt 27, Jesse 23, and Marissa, 19: surfers all of course.
"(The nickname) 'Mama G' came from the surfers who are friends with my kids," she says. "They're all 'my kids' when we're at the beach. They started calling me Mama G and it stuck."
Married to "Papa G," her husband Glenn, for the past 34 years, Lorraine grew up in Palm Beach County before relocating to Indian River.
"I surfed at EL DUB, Boynton, Lantana area," she says. "My sister got me into surfing. Her first board was a converted airplane wing and weighed 40 pounds."
In her younger days, Mama G could be seen tackling the swells as a competitor in the ESA.
"As far as my competitions go, I was always a second or third placer," she says. "My sister Diane was always ahead of me, and deservedly!"
One image from her competitive life springs to the front of the photographer's mind.
"(I remember) sitting in my friend's Volkswagen Bug with the heater on, watching the 40 degree wind chop at Ft. Pierce North Jetty and waiting for my heat to be called; running out in the water without a wetsuit and running back into the warm car. My friend had hot chocolate waiting for me! That's a true friend! Thanks, Sheryl."
Mama G also has some fantastic memories from a summer she spent wandering the East Coast and surfing with her sister.
"We planned it out after reading numerous surf magazines and choosing the spots that we had read about," she recalls. "We brought a steak knife for protection and slept many nights in my Plymouth Barracuda with the back open and the boards under the car. We met several guys who are now considered 'legends' and enjoyed a surf-filled, memory-filled summer!"
These days Mama G can be seen wandering the coast with a camera in hand.
"I videotaped my kids learning to surf," she recalls. "I picked up a camera two-years-ago and fell in love with it!"
Lucky for the Guru team that she did!
"I really enjoy getting a good shot of anyone," she explains. "The feeling is similar to actually riding the wave to me."
Mama G adds that Steve Terry and Don Eggert have been great mentors to her along her photographic journeys.
"(They) are amazingly nice photographers who have been so helpful and kind to me. I couldn't be doing this if it weren't for them."
Apart from the joys of seeing her children, and students, grow, Mama G truly loves her sideline craft.
"I love it when someone walks up to me on the beach and thanks me, or says they enjoy my shots. What a thrill! Thanks Buddha for the opportunity to share my passion with others."