While i was immersed in remodeling my blog and 'branding' myself i had the chance to really think deeply about my identity as a photographer. It's always been impossible for me to distinguish my personal identity from my professional one and i wouldn't have it any other way. In order for me to do my best at anything important (living, loving, creating, working) I need to feel genuinely interested and committed from the inside out. That's my rather in-expert way of describing the human state of being authentic or genuine.
For me it comes down to personality. The dictionary says that personality is the complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterize a unique individual. The only feature i would add to that framework is life experience, which means i am constantly evolving, forever in a state of transformation. I started thinking about my personality in regards to my photography and realized that "branding" myself as a photographer is nothing more complicated than being myself behind the camera and in front of the computer. If i stay true to that path then the resulting images reveal not only my own distinctive style but that of the subject as well.
I wrote an article for Somerset magazine back in 2009 describing my blogging style as a combination of storytelling and performance art. The editor at the time, Jenny Doh used the phrase "performance art" in describing what she thought i was doing with my blog. At the time it was a revelation to think of it as a sort of theater-esque endeavor but i realized that she was quite right in her perceptions.
And so it is with my photography. My photographic style is an extension of my inner world and as such it allows me to find and capture the unique and less obvious, quirky aspects of a person or situation in my images. Make believe, dreams and imaginary places are as much a part of the real world as love, heaven and Middle Earth so why not explore those parts of our less known selves in images?
This portrait was taken at the end of a very long day of shooting for our Le Cirque de Tarte project. It was completely spontaneous, each of us donning our costumes/personalities and gathering for a quick photo finale. A madwoman, a maestro and GiGi. Who would have guessed such interesting people would appear out of nowhere?
I would love to learn more about your creative journey. What is your process for discovering and nurturing your unique artistic style. How do you describe it?
love, robin
Great post, Robin. I totally get what you are talking about. I think it's important to follow your inner guide, to create those ideas in your head whether it's on canvas, paper or film. And isn't it interesting that how you identified yourself before - as a storyteller - still pertains to you as a photographer?
Several years ago, I read the course catalog from the International Center of Photography in New York (ICP) and there was one class description in particular that caught my attention. The instructor described how if each student in the class were to take photographs that she or she had created over the years and lined them up on a table or taped them to a wall, common "threads" would appear throughout all the images. That's our personal voice.
I really do believe that whatever we do over the years, whether it's painting, photography, writing, etc., that if we create consistently, our personal styles and voices will show through.
Anyway, I'm glad that you are pursuing this career because you are really good at it!
Posted by: susanna | July 16, 2011 at 07:04 PM
well i want to say I like the subject matter . out of the box style not your everyday family picture thing LOL
It's the creativity i guess i like . also the clothing
I would love to be photographed in a matter like that with maybe a room with 10 chandeliers and a glass table and me with a white feather gown and nothing else but huge diamonds on holding a chicken
name it birds of a differnt feather
just thinking Janice
Posted by: Curtains In My tree | July 01, 2011 at 07:00 AM
Well done indeed....you are blossoming right in front of us...present and aware of all the beauty surrounding this incredible creative world we live in!! xoxo Cindy
Posted by: Queen of Tarte | June 30, 2011 at 01:33 PM
you and I have spoken of this very subject, and I think it is a constant evolution in which one should enjoy the journey and not necessarily focus on the destination!!
It warms my heart to see joe's comment and identity on this blog......
xoxoxo, Tiffany
Posted by: Tiffany ~ The Fancy Farmgirl | June 29, 2011 at 09:34 PM
Well done my friend. I see personality as our scaffold. As we live our lives we build a home, we decorate it with all of our experiences; some soft some hard, but all seem necessary for the next new addition :O)
Posted by: Cheryl | June 28, 2011 at 09:03 PM
Looks great, indeed.
Posted by: Frank Zweegers | June 27, 2011 at 07:10 AM
Dear talented Robin,
Your photography is AMAZING. I admire you, and your photos so much. Your creativity and attention to detail just keeps getting better and better. Can't wait to see more!
~Joyce aka Calamityjaneslifestyle.com
Posted by: Joyce Janes | June 26, 2011 at 06:59 AM
This is why I heart you Birdtweets!
Sounding good, looking good!
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | June 25, 2011 at 02:35 PM
you have perfect timing. i was blogging and it occurred to me that my post today was my answer to your question. xoxo
Posted by: debi | June 25, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Very well done and straight from the heart!
Posted by: Hubby | June 25, 2011 at 06:58 AM