An Ode to John Singer Sargent | Charlotte Portrait Photographer

I love portraiture.  When I'm at museums, I'm drawn to the portraits.  One of my favorites is the Portrait of Madame X by John Singer Sargent, an American artist and expatriate.  Now, if you do your research, you can find out that Madame X is actually the French socialite Virginie Amelie Avegno Gautreau (also an American expatriate).  It was an attempt by both artist and model to climb the ladder of French society, and instead threw them both into scandal.  The painting of Mme Gautreau was considered too revealing (in fact, the strap on her dress was repainted by Sargent, originally it was off her shoulder) and her posture too snobbish for society women.  Sargent ended up storing the painting in his studio for several decades before it was allowed to be seen again.

Image care of Wikipedia

But I like the anonymity of the title.  Madame X.  Who is this very elegant woman?  Where is she going?  What is she doing?   Why?  What is she thinking about?  And I wanted to create my own interpretation of this wonderful image.

If you would like to see the actual painting (and I recommend it), it is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

NOTE: In part because of my fascination with portraits, I've been starting a personal project, not for any sort of profit, just for myself and my audience.  I'm going to be reinterpreting classic American portraits, giving a few facts about the original, and creating a new version for a more modern day audience.  They aren't intended to look particularly painted, but rather be photographic interpretations of classic portrait paintings.  Please let me know what you think of this new project of mine!

Black and White (and a little color, too) | Charlotte Portrait Photographer

Old Hollywood.  Think Audrey, Grace, Katharine, Marilyn, Ingrid, Greta.  There are so many names you  can name, and so many iconic photographs that go along with them.  

I love the style of those classic black and white (well, mostly black and white) images.  They are beautiful, dramatic, and inspiring.  At least to me.

I enjoy this style, I think it is flattering on all women (and men; hey guys, wanna give it a try?), and one of my goals this year is to really improve on my ability to produce this beautiful style.

So, when I put out a model call on Facebook, a friend of mine (and, can I just point out, a Charlotte celebrity), Shannon, responded enthusiastically, and we put together a plan.  Check out the results!

In the image above, I was working on ways to get that soft, almost blurry look so common in those romantic portraits and classic movie stills. 

We were playing around and I snapped this shot.  When I went back to look at it, all I saw was fun Hollywood glamour.  Those girls weren't all serious, all the time, you know!

And I couldn't leave out this one.  Beautiful! 

Then there is this one, amazing.  Look at those eyes!  Ok, maybe this one isn't quite old Hollywood, but who can resist a few color images of that awesome vintage robe?

Let's just take a closer look at that one.  I think it works well as a close up, don't you?  

Among her many talents, Shannon is a fashion writer, and she has a fabulous vintage wardrobe that we got to play with!  Especially this coat!  I think we all need one of these!  Don't you?

Ladies (and Gentlemen, seriously, I'm looking at you!), if you don't want to take revealing boudoir images, but you want some amazingly beautiful Valentine's Day images, then look into these images.  They are stunning!

PS: If you aren't following already, please go follow Shannon on Twitter.  You won't be sorry!

On Grown Up Beauty | Charlotte Boudoir Photography

"But I'm not a model."  This is a refrain I hear a lot from adults who are normally behind a camera taking photos of their family, nervous about going in front of the camera and insecure that the camera will 'add pounds' or show off every wrinkle.

So this December, after the rush of family photos and Christmas cards, I decided it was time to work on photographing the adults in the family.  I started looking into boudoir posing and lighting.  I discovered the fun of 1940's pin-up style images.  

And here's the thing I worked out.  Women are beautiful.  It doesn't matter your shape and size.  Sure, the camera can create some unflattering moments and bring out the worst (trust me, I've seen too many photos of myself making a grimacing face with a double chin... I don't normally have a double chin!).  

But the camera doesn't do just that.  Properly used, the camera can accent those sexy curves, those beautiful eyes, that gorgeous bone structure.  It can bring out the best and most beautiful parts of you.  And trust me, ladies, no matter your body type, you are beautiful.

  

So this month, I am focusing on the grown-ups out there.  Don't worry, I'll still be working on babies and children, but I want to accent the beauty of being an adult too.  I want to encourage you to think about getting some photos done for Valentine's Day not just for your significant other, but for YOU. 

 If you aren't comfortable with strutting around in fancy underwear at a boudoir session, try a photo session Old Hollywood style.  Think about your favorite movie stars and photos from the 1940s and run with it!  I'll work with you on your personal style!

And don't forget; YOU are beautiful, CELEBRATE!

Ode to 2011 | Charlotte Portrait Photographer

2011 was a wonderful year for me, personally and professionally.

My son grew and grew and went from speaking in one or two word phrases to speaking in full sentences.  He went from toddling toddler to coordinated boy.  He started school.  He has transformed so much it's almost hard to picture him in January 2011.

My husband started working at a new company, and we stressed, laughed, cried, and ultimately decided it was a great move for us and our family.

I started a new company, stressed, laughed, cried, and went from starting a Facebook page to having over 200 fans who are excited about my work!  

It's been a bit crazy, this road of transformation from photog addict to aspiring professional.  At the beginning of 2011, I was just starting to think about the idea of getting paid to do something I really loved.  I did a lot of soul searching, I joined an amazing group of aspiring and professional photographers, and I learned.

Wow, did I learn.  I learned a lot in college, and a lot in grad school, but this past year has been a year of transformation.  I went from being afraid to put myself out there, to show anyone my photos, to giving them voluntarily to some of my heroes in photography (Justin Jagare, Marilyn Sholin, Lindsay Adler and Charlotte's own Lori Jill, to name a few) for critique.  I was expecting the worst, I got much better.

I started working with more of you, learned more about natural light.  

Picked up a few more jobs, learned about posing newborns safely and efficiently.  

Had a few opportunities to work with models, learned about posing and studio lighting.  

Ultimately, at the end of the year, I transformed from timid and frustrated to confident and excited about what I need to learn and how.

In 2012, I have many plans, personal and professional.  I will be working and learning both in the studio and on location, refining lighting, light modifiers, posing and learning many other skills.

I challenge myself to conduct more photo sessions, both for you, clients and fans, as well as concept shoots for myself, exploring new methods and broadening my experience.

I challenge myself enter photographic competitions, study for and take the Certified Professional Photographer exam, and submit my photos for critique whenever I can.

Finally, I challenge myself to refine my style, break the rules and take risks.  This is the path to success in both business and art.

Thank you again for all your support this past year.  Let's get ready for a fabulous year ahead!!