Endure
A CrossFit photo shoot with the one and only Karli Stroud!
It has been challenging but rewarding being able to work with many sweet clients and on many personal projects during the same time period recently. I'm thankful for all of you, to be able to spend a short time together reflecting each other's passions and sharing them through portraits.
Endure is a short series portraying my cousin, Karli, a caring and humble physical therapist, CrossFit coach, and an inspiration. This series is shown as it would in a magazine spread, and quotes from Karli herself and 9:24 CrossFit coach, Pete Doan.
Thank you all who were a part of this shoot, whether in pre-production, production, or the post-production, everyone who gave feedback and simply supports these big ideas I have.
Behind the Scenes
Live by faith & share through fotos.
Out of the Fog Final Book
The final product of "Out of the Fog" from Artisan State.
What started out as a class project for Thesis has grown into a special personal project. Out of the Fog focuses on self-worth through symbolism, and I may eventually open the series back up. As the project grew into something so very important to me, I wanted to make sure the final product, which was to be a self-published book without limits of dimension or company, was printed to show the significance of each person who took part in the series.
For my final printed book, I wanted to produce a very clean and simplistic layout on white pages. The company I chose had the option for lay flat pages that emphasized the portraits and let the viewer enter the world of the model. The text shows the full name of the model in the first portrait, and in the second portrait/composite image is the text for the poems I wrote based on the interviews with each model.
Beyond impressed is the only way I can describe how I feel about the quality of the book. It really took my book to the next level compared to other companies I had researched for printing. Below you can flip through the pages of my final book for Out of the Fog.
Live by faith & share through fotos.
YPA Gallery in NYC
A look into the YPA Boundaries gallery hosted at The Art Directors Club in New York City on February 24, 2015.
Surreal doesn't come close to the feelings and thoughts I experienced while walking into The Art Directors Club in New York City for the Young Photographer's Alliance (YPA) "Boundaries" gallery. Seeing my work hanging along other photographers' work from around the world is indescribable.
Early on the morning of February 24, I traveled with my mom and sister from Pittsburgh to New York on a bus to celebrate my sister's birthday, and to see my work completed through the Mentorship Program in Pittsburgh from this past summer, sponsored by the YPA. As a conclusion to the Mentorship Program, following our required PR event, as we chose to hold a gallery at Studio 3702 in Lawrenceville of Pittsburgh, this event was quite an honor. The gallery was held by The Art Directors Club, which is a huge space and perfect for the event.
Before the doors opened for the event, this is the large space our work was displayed in. The room was entirely filled with other artists and guests by the end of the night. (photo by Amy Schonauer)
Being completely exhausted from the long bus trip, bearing the negative temperatures, and navigating New York, it added to the shock factor of everything to take in, as I walked through the doors. Mentors, mentees, Art Directors, and New Yorkers walked through the space the entire evening while reading and viewing everyone's projects. There are a few things that I learned, or rather were reinforced when at the gallery.
1. Be a part of the photographic community. Whether it be brainstorming with others, asking what their opinion is about a body of work, talking about business, or complimenting their work, be active and be in it. Go to events and exhibitions, and learn what is happening in the art world, what is trending, and where our inspiration comes from.
2. Take the time to look into other's work. Don't hide behind your artwork and wait for professionals to come to you. Seek out other's work that inspires or challenges you, and know why it does so. Study those that came before you and what led to the photographic industry now.
3. Network always. A simple concept, but one of the greatest pieces of advice. Make connections, not just for your benefit, but to help each other grow and spread ideas.
4. Get out there! Become known to those in your community and your audience. YOU have to make the first step and take initiative to show your work.
Standing with YPA Mentees and Mentors from across the U.S., Canada, and England that were able to be at the New York gallery. (Photo from Young Photographers Alliance Facebook page, photo by Lawrence Lucier)
Thank you to the volunteers and leaders of YPA for putting this program together. Thank you to those a part of The Art Directors Club for letting us display our work. Thank you to my Pittsburgh mentors Jon Lisbon, Brian Kaldorf, Laura Petrilla, and Jenn Saffron, and my fellow Pittsburgh mentees Allaire Bartel and Mariah Wild for pushing every one of us through the program. Thank you to my mom for getting me to New York to experience the show. And thank you to everyone who served and attended the Young Photographers Alliance "Boundaries" Gallery in New York City.
Live by faith & share through fotos.
BTS of Out of the Fog: Shiloh Leath (Part 2)
Part 2 of the behind the scenes look at the final shoot with Shiloh Leath for Out of the Fog, focusing on the specific styling, use of fog, editing techniques, and symbolism in final images.
As mentioned last week, this week I would like to share my thought process behind the specific look shared through the tones, use of fog, and other editing techniques in Shiloh's Out of the Fog shoot, along with the symbolism and poetry in her portraits.
Why did I choose specific lighting set ups and editing techniques through tones? For this project, I was highly inspired by the works of Michael Bader, Laurie Bartley, and Jade Mai. Each of these artists' works has a feel of cinematic quality through lighting and editing techniques Their technical skills are combined with symbolism, that is presented through their models and scenes, making them appear significant. By editing in a cinematic type style, it shows that the model is part of a story, and have their own story.
Why is there fog? Fog causes confusion and a loss of sense of direction, which can mean either physically or mentally. Fog can also represent danger as it hides things from us, like truth. So, in this series, the fog is presented as a symbol that represents all the cloudiness and confusion of who the model is, as they are literally coming out of the fog and revealing who he or she is.
So why does her nose appear to be broken or cut? As mentioned last week, through the final images, I wanted to get across every essence of the pain that she has faced, and how she has risen from it. I wanted to present her in a beautiful way as though she has literally healed and risen up to where she is now, although the mark is left behind in a subtle way that may be noticed at first or second glance.
Why did I choose the outfit? Shiloh is a photographer as well, and works with mostly female models in the fashion and fine art categories. I wanted to portray her how she would portray one of her own models, as this art form of photography is so much a part of who she is.
What does the poem mean? The poem reads: "Buried alive/The flesh will fail./Into the fray,/Battle the veil." This poem follows the idea of Shiloh rising from the pain that she has suffered from, and that physically we weaken. For the second portrait of her, I wanted to have her picking up her dress and walking with such intensity as though she were literally about to go into battle ("Into the fray). Shiloh shared with me that she feels very strongly about feminism, therefore "Battle the veil", a veil as it represents female power.
Here are the before and after shots of each image.
Before
After
Before
After
Live by faith & share through fotos.
Behind the Scenes of Out of the Fog: Shiloh Leath (Part 1)
A behind the scenes look at the final shoot with Shiloh Leath for Out of the Fog.
On January 9th, I shared my personal project entitled Out of the Fog. Out of the Fog is a series that brings out the hidden thoughts of self-worth among individuals. Created with elements of mystery, surrealism, and dramatic qualities, symbols are used in each image to represent the idea of self-worth. The portraits also involve the models' perspectives of who they are, what their values are, how they doubt themselves, and what keeps them from being positive. Read more about the meaning and inspiration behind Out of the Fog by reading my introduction here: Introduction.
When I approached Shiloh to see if she would have any interest in being one of my subjects, she was more than willing and very excited to share her story. In fact, I still have the message she sent which read, “Yes I'm so so so honored you thought of me. I'm a huge fan of your work. Just let me know what to do.” With lots of happy emojis. That’s the kind of people I like to work with, people who are excited to make art happen, and are willing to go out of their way to make it work. Shiloh is a photographer as well, and has amazing work, which you can view on her page here: Shiloh Victoria Photography. Not only is her work incredible, but so is her story. Like all the other models, I interviewed Shiloh to answer the questions listed previously. Through the final images, I wanted to get across every essence of the pain that she has faced, and how she has risen from it. She is also very much for feminism and shows that through her images. I wanted to replicate the style of work she creates, because it is so much a part of who she is.
If there is any advice to share with fellow photographers, I would say don't be afraid to direct your subject. YOU are the only one that has the vision of the final image, and it is up to you to explain it to the best of your ability. There is no other way that your model can portray what you see in your mind. If the photo isn’t working out how you had planned, take a short break and demonstrate what you want done. And of course, always be respectful and kind to your model in the process of working with them.
The lighting set up was relatively simple. I prepared for the worst, and brought four flashes and stands with me, but only ended up using one. I used the one flash and a combination of ambient light for a more dramatic look. And with the help of my assistant, I used a gold reflector to bounce some of the flash back into the shadows.
The final images chosen to be used for Out of the Fog from Shiloh's shoot look very different than the shots straight out of camera. Next week, I will be sharing the specific look I wanted to share through the tones, use of fog, and other editing techniques. I will also be sharing more in depth on the symbolism and poetry shared along with these two portraits.
The first image was shot with my 85mm, 1/125 at 2.8, ISO 100. I really love the shadows and the light it brings to only part of Shiloh's eyes, created with the use of one flash off to the right and pointed down.
The second image was shot with my 24-105mm, 1/80 at f/4, ISO 200. The same lighting technique was used for this shot to create a dramatic atmosphere.
Special thanks to Elise Baker of E.B. Photography for behind the scenes photos.
Live by faith & share through fotos.
Laying Framework for "Boundaries"
Behind the scenes of framing the YPA "Boundaries" images in collaboration with my Dad.
A few weeks ago, I shared photos from the YPA "Boundaries" Gallery that took place at Studio 3702 in Lawrenceville, downtown Pittsburgh. What you may or may not know is that the frames that displayed my photos were a side art project for my Dad and I to complete together.
You're probably wondering why I wouldn't have just bought frames. When looking at the images of these people, I wanted the frame to resemble looking through a window into this little world of "wisdom". (To read more on my series, visit my previous blog post or gallery on my home page). Plus, I love collaborating in DIY projects, and this was right up Dad's alley. And I can't forget the deal breaker- building something yourself can save a heck of a lot of cash, just don't forget the amount of time you're exchanging.
The frames were handmade from simple barnwood found in my grandparents barn. My Dad had glass cut for each frame and rigged a system that lit my images from behind, which unexpectedly created an effect that made the characters in the photos become much more real and 3D. Something that can be simply put into words doesn't always give credit for the amount of time spent working on a given project.
Thank goodness Dad is a genius when it comes to building things. With my own doing, the frames probably would have been hanging upside down. Being grateful only begins what I am for having Dad and others that support me and my art, let alone collaborate with me! Thank you times a million!!
Dad holding the final product after a full week of work on the five frames we designed and he built from scratch.
Live by faith & share through fotos.
Facing Boundaries in "Boundaries"
My thoughts and many thanks on the YPA "Boundaries" Gallery at Studio 3702.
Photo courtesy of Anne Troxel / Edited by Leah Schonauer
As many have seen through social media, this summer I was chosen to be a part of the Young Photographers Alliance (YPA) Mentorship Program. This program was a national project where mentees were chosen from participating cities and worked with mentors to explore and create a series. During the course of about three months time, each of us were to create a series of work relating to the theme "Boundaries".
I was so happy to use this opportunity to work with big photographers from around Pittsburgh, Jon Lisbon, Laura Petrilla, Brian Kaldorf, and Jen Saffron (Public Relations), and getting to know the other mentees, Mariah Wild and Allaire Bartel.
One thing I didn't expect was the amount of work it takes to put something together like this. Each quarter at The Art Institute, our final projects are usually a series of work that I can hammer out the images I want in a short amount of time. It was frustrating having to drive back from home over summer break several times for an hour meeting, and it was time and energy consuming. Scheduling my photos and finding time to composite it all was not something I wanted to add to the calendar, with my summer quarter of school starting. Then there was the cold calls and promoting that was a new thing to us all. My initial excitement was buried and hidden as this had become my sixth class I was taking for the quarter and nevertheless, more work.
I think this is how many great things come together. The initial idea of a project is always so appealing, but when I'm thinking of final images, I never take into consideration the work and the stress throughout the production. But the truth of the matter is that 9 times out of 10 we have to work through tough situations that are just plain time consuming, energy draining, physically exhausting, and sometimes emotionally tiring, too. If we realized how much of a toll it was to make a piece of art that had the potential to be our best to date, would we, as artists do it? Maybe I wouldn't depending on the situation, but I feel that as artists, especially, this is an opportunity to grow as people and in our art form to take on these, well, boundaries.
Now I am in no way degrading or looking down on the YPA program, because it was an absolute honor to be a part of it! What I am saying is that we need to be aware that success and great opportunities take hard work and dedication to come through and become something we can't even imagine. It's kinda like that Spider-Man quote, "With great power comes great responsibility." That Ben Parker, what a smart man. (Yes I totally just quoted Spider-Man in a blog post).
This program taught me things that I may never have learned about involving the process of developing concepts, shooting the photos, and promoting the final images just to name a few. The most important thing I took away was to let projects become something else, if that's the direction it can take to become more powerful and well rounded. We can't be stubborn to do photos or any type of work in such a rigid way, if it can be shared in another, better way. Let art evolve and change, while presenting your changed perspective through this art.
The gallery opening was more than I could ask for, and made all those prior boundaries seem like nothing at all. Every ounce of thought put into the show was worth it, and through promoting and networking brought an amazing turn out of support. That gut feeling when something works out perfectly and looks better than you imagined was the description of the Boundaries opening- maybe it was just nerves and butterflies, but I know there was a mixture of gratitude for frustration, stress, and work with it.
THANK YOU!
I want to thank everyone SO MUCH from the bottom of my heart who has been a part of the YPA Mentorship and the Boundaries Gallery. You all have been the absolute best support and I am especially grateful for everyone who came to the much anticipated gallery at Studio 3702 on September 12, and those who sent messages who weren't able to be there.
Thank you to Jon Lisbon, Laura Petrilla, Brian Kaldorf, and Jen Saffron for being the best Pittsburgh mentors and giving your time to help develop and produce a meaningful and amazing group of artwork! Thank you Laura for also opening up your studio for our meetings and to display our photos. Along with that, thank you to Mariah Wild and Allaire Bartel, a couple of extremely talented photographers and it has been so exciting to see our projects evolve, and come together to become something amazing. You both should be so proud of the work you've accomplished! Hard work definitely pays off.
I couldn't have done any of the images without any of my models, Aunt Donna, Grandma Garnet, Grandpa Bill, Rudy Oiler, and Pauline Roberts. Absolutely the sweetest people to work with, and to know. I wish I could have brought the show to all of you!
A giant thank you to my Dad for hand making my frames that he so gladly collaborated with me on. It was so cool to work together on a project that we both enjoy, and good grief, the man is a genius when it comes to building things.
Thank you to my Mom, for helping me travel and to shoot the "Boundaries" project, and for encouraging every project I have done (and for helping me keep my sanity when it all seems so overwhelming). And thank you for waking up at the crack of dawn and coming to Pittsburgh to spend time with me on this special day. Thank you also to Aunt Julia for joining our spontaneity!
Special shoutout to Jessica Kieffer for driving nearly four hours to just come see me at my gallery, and also to Katie Krocker and Brandon Schwartz, the cutest couple ever who drove all the way from Ohio to surprise me this evening. Y'all are the best!
Thank you to all my friends at The Art Institute for taking time to come see our show and hang out with us. And thank you to my North Hills family for supporting me in every adventure I take on! If I missed anyone, know that I appreciate all that you have done by ever helping and encouraging me.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!! I am so so so grateful. I love you guys!