NATCHEZ — Like a photographer zooming in on her subject, Abagail McCary Washington’s future suddenly came into focus.

“It was like a lightning bolt,” Washington said.

The daughter of local photographer T.G. McCary, Washington had been surrounded by cameras all of her life. She even helped her dad in the studio from time to time.

But she never considered photography as a career for her, until one day everything became clear.

Working in her dad’s studio recently, Washington realized her future career was with her all along.

“I said, ‘What am I doing? This is right here in front of me,’” she said.

Since that moment four months ago, Washington has immersed herself in all things photography — learning most of her craft from her father.

“We have been full steam ahead ever since,” Washington said.

From 6 to 8 p.m. today, local residents will have a chance to see some of Washington’s work at a special gallery showing at Arts Natchez on Main Street.

Eleven pieces will be on display, including a variety of portraits and landscapes. The work represents a broad spectrum of Washington’s interests, including black and white and color images.

The work is just the beginning for the budding photographer, who is excited about the opportunity to share her vision.

“The best way to do something is to throw yourself into it and start paddling, which is what I have done,” she said.

To help teach her the art of photography, McCary said he gave his daughter an old college textbook — a book that teaches the fundamentals of photography.

“It is so old that that it has no references to digital photography,” McCary said laughing.

Even still, Washington said she is learning from books and her father about the details she believes are necessary to making quality images.

In a world of photography that in recent years has trended toward spontaneity, Washington said she still sticks with the direction her dad has led — a direction that is about the position of subject and about the details.

“It is about the bend in a finger, the angle of a foot — the small, small things that make a difference,” she said.

For now, Washington said she is happy to be her father’s understudy and hopes to one day take over the studio, but that day will not be any time soon.

“We are not going to change the sign out front anytime soon,” McCary said with a smile.