Stacy & Tyler

I photographed Stacy & Tyler's wedding this weekend. Although a little chilly, the bride and groom had such a great time -- the fun was infectious!

fine art figure photography

I was very recently able to take a workshop on fine art figure photography, an interesting event in and of itself. However, the topic was one that I really enjoy - the use of shadows.

I have to say, I love shadows. I love using shadow to portray shape and form, I love using lighting to bring out texture, I love using B&W photography to emphasize and deconstruct all of these aspects. I love using three examples in a row without using "and."

I was originally wary of taking a figure class - more than a little skittish of being the only woman amongst the class members. Overall, though, I'm very glad I went. I had a wonderful time, produced some admirable work, and was definitely able to concentrate more on the art of photography. The models were fantastic, really helped to put me at ease, and luckily, my classmates weren't all skeezy old men.

polly want a pumpkin?

I was recently working with the National Aquarium in Baltimore on a holiday-themed photo shoot. It was fun and it was fabulous. There were pumpkins, various Aqua residents, and a few of the Aquarium's terrific staff. I had a great time, disregarding any deep-seated fear of bats.

Yes, these ones are fuzzy and cute, with their little muzzles. But then I was inside the bat cage (cool!) and one wandered behind me (scary!), and they closed the door to the cage to make sure that he didn't get out (scarier!). And then I started thinking about the few feet of wing span, and the wicked-looking 'elbow' hooks (shudder).

It's funny, really, that I knew that they were more skittish than I was, and I was trying to not make any sudden movements to make sure that they weren't too uncomfortable with a stranger so close. But still I was definitely feeling a little spooked before I got out of the cage. Just in time for Halloween.


I've posted several of the photos at my pbase gallery, so feel free to check them out.

Friends in interesting places

A friend of mine is soon opening her first show. She not only a talented photographer and artist, but she's a terrific colorist. And I'm not saying that just because I helped her frame everything in the exhibit.

A. Sophie Lenoir: "Portrait of Sacred Lands"
http://www.francedc.org/en/CulturalEvent.aspx?id=211

Her gallery is here:
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?mem=112449

She and I have had some great discussions about art, photography, and life in general. Way to go, Sophie!

Hello.

As from the about page on my website:

"Hailing from the Washington School of Photography in Washington, D.C., Sarah Lane's childhood love affair with photography continues today in her work. Sarah's penchant attention to detail and technical focus create crisp, modern photography with albums to match."

As you can see, it has been annoyingly difficult to talk about myself and my work. I am typically circumspect, particularly about myself -- probably from being so shy as a kid!

In my point of view, what's to say? There are many photographers, both amateur and professional. We're all in love with the visual image, and all love photographing things, places, and people that interest us, using the camera to express our worldview. However, as a professional artist, it is important to discuss what really drives me to produce, what photography really means to me.

So, here goes.

I am a photographer. I love nearly everything about photography - using the camera as my voice, using the camera as a vehicle for my viewpoint, using the camera to capture beauty. I love color. I love line, shape, shadow. I love people. I love urban bustle, bucolic rural scenes, and interesting and exquisite architecture.

I truly did fall in love with photography as a kid, and spent most of my high school years in the darkroom. With no money and even less time in college and graduate school, photography was an unfortunate casualty, only revived after much soul-searching and asking the all-important question, "when was I the happiest?" A few years later, I introduced the "new" me, following a career re-vamp, and study with the Washington School of Photography. Now in the digital era, I shoot with high-end equipment, and "develop" and "process" sitting in my desk chair. Definitely a far cry from smelling like chemicals.

Over the past few years, I have realized something new about myself -- I love weddings. I love everything about weddings, from the excitement of preparation, to the exhilaration of the first dance, to the hugs and tears of the end of the day. Even more, I love photographing weddings - capturing the excitement and joy of a very special day. Being a part of the magic is such a special treat, and I'm so glad that I get to share such joy with so many people.