Photo Walking

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Today I'm embarking on a e-course for introspective photography called Unravelling #1: Ways of Seeing My Self. Each week we get a new assignment which includes thematic photos and journel-esque writing. I used to do so much of this type of thing in my past time (back in flickr's heyday), but when I started doing more professional-ish projects, I lost sight of my photo walks, simple observations, and collective fun of visual journaling... Looking forward to seeing what comes of this. I'll be picking up the camera daily for exploration again... Today is the first step... Looking forward.

The rug is in my living room... Hot pink suede shoes I bought made a good first prop.

Tree Pose

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The 'Worldwide Photography Gala Awards' announced their annual Pollux Award recipients today, and I'm happy to announce my photo 'Tree Pose' got an Honorable Mention in the Portrait category :) There were 18,916 images submitted from 65 countries, all juried by Philip Brookman, Chief Curator and Head of Research, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Exhibit and ceremony will be at Palais de Glace Buenos Aires, Argentina January 2012. A book of all images will be published; proceeds go to Save the Children.

©Wendy Whitesell


 Model: Tara Hogan, Make up: Alejandro Monzon
(Thanks for a great day guys and collaborating with me on this one ♥) 

INK + WIT

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Just found out my dear friend Tara Hogan posted an entry about my photo work on her gorgeous blog INK + WIT. It's an honor, once again, to be included.... I think it's one of the most inspiring and aesthetically pleasing blogs out there. Check it out if you haven't already. Tara is an amazing illustrator and designer with impeccable ability to collect inspiration and in a consistent voice in any medium. Thanks Tara <3 Your words are humbling and you made my day!

The Random Salon

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I hosted an old fashioned art salon at my Brooklyn apartment this weekend with 10 friends from different creative backgrounds. Performances and contributions ranged from poetry to old school rhythm & blues vocals, cello driven art/rock, acting, newly minted music videos, vintage jazz guitar, photography, and fashion.  Mara Kaye's strong and saucy vocals kicked off the night with Billy Jackson's subtle but grounded accompaniment on guitar. They started with a Sam Cook cover and later brought down the house with co-written originals Happy #2 and Sweet Circular Ode.

Serena Jost
Serena Jost treated us to some new material from her soon to be released album A Bird will Sing, with haunting and delicate lyrics, intricate tones, and formidable beats; often stomping in time, and commanding the cello as both melody maker and percussion section.  Later, Dan Machlin captivated us all by reading poems from his own Dear Body (Ugly Duckling Presse) and later crooned the Jerome Kern classic 'I'm Old Fashioned'; accompanying himself on guitar.

As for myself, I had always wanted to do something at a salon that put me out of my element so I performed opposite my actor friend in a movie scene she's auditioning for. It was a bit unnerving at first, but everyone said we did well, and I recall a few laughs at the 'right' moments. It was a great experience, complete with screen-test style videos the day before so we could observe our interaction and delivery... We did our performance before the music so I could get on with pouring cocktails and snapping pictures!

I was impressed with the material everyone brought to the table and grateful for the turnout and support in everyone's work.... It was a great night and I can't wait to do another one at some point. Several people mentioned they were impressed with the level of talent and quality of all the contributions. I agree! 

Wide-lux

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I was recently inspired while watching a Jeff Bridges biography, by his use of a vintage Wide-lux camera to document practically every movie he's been on for over 20 years. Since I can't afford one of these cameras at the moment, I decided to play around with the panoramic aspect ratio (the exact dimensions of a Wide-lux photo) in post production... It's a different way of seeing and inspires me to look for one of these cameras...The one below is from Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY.

©Wendy Whitesell
"The Wide-Lux is a fickle mistress; its viewfinder isn't accurate, and there's no manual focus, so it has an arbitrariness to it, a capricious quality. I like that. It's something I aspire to in all my work --- a lack of preciousness that makes things more human and honest, a willingness to receive what's there in the moment, and to let go of the result. Getting out of the way seems to be one of the main tasks for me as an artist." – Jeff Bridges

Santa Barbara Shoot :)

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Had an awesome shoot in Santa Barbara, California with my friend and stylist Stephanie Kheder, MUA Crystral Tran, and LA model Treasa Mc. We shot during the golden hour at the Douglas Family Reserve and dog park. Can't wait to go back this site for another project.


©Wendy Whitesell
©Wendy Whitesell
©Wendy Whitesell
see more photos on my site:
www.wendywhitesell.com

GEN Magazine

I'll have 2 full-page photos published in the December issue of GEN Magazine, a new NYC style and culture mag for men... http://tinyurl.com/genmag On stands soon!

Victorious

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Yesterday I had a studio shoot with a Christine, a Victoria's Secret in-house model. The shoot ended up going very well- Everyone stayed in their lane; focused and did a great job. No egos or divas. Shooting Christine was like driving a Ferrari. I got a different angle or expression or subtly different pose with every click of the camera. We had clothes and bikinis from Victoria's Secret, and both the hair stylist and make up artist were gracious and enjoyable to work with. I had an absolute blast and am very grateful for the experience... Christine is happy with the photos, so that's all the better. Make up by Alejandro Monzon/Lex Elements, hair by Anatalia F

©Wendy Whitesell

Brooklyn Shoot

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There's an ever-changing mural in D.U.M.B.O. Brooklyn (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) that is a perfect backdrop for photos.. Every so often I check to see what's there and drop by for a few shots... It's an endless supply of color, texture, and inspiration.. Thanks to the artists who make this possible, because any time we shoot and include someone else's art or design, it's a true collaboration... This was a fun day.. An early start; a little chilly during the shoot but we warmed up with brunch after at Super Fine- a D.U.M.B.O. fave.

model: manfred louis
make up artist: alejandro monzon
stylist: seven soji
photographer: wendy whitesell

©Wendy Whitesell

La Nuit des Musées

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Two of my photos are in a projection installation today in 'La Nuit des Musées', a photo exhibit at the Rolex Learning Center, Lausanne, Switzerland. The theme is 'Public Spaces; Private Moments.' I'm blown away to have photos shown in this building. I'd kill to see this gorgeous thing in person. The pictures alone make me drool!


Urban Mainstream Interview

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I recently was interviewed by Urban Mainstream Magazine as a Spotlight photographer. They asked compelling questions and I was honored to be included.. Interview to follow.

Urban Mainstream
Sept 2010

UM: What got you started in the business?

WW: My background is in graphic design and mixed media painting, which led to the use of photos in my work. I eventually got passionate about photography as a pure form and have not painted since. Painting is a solo act, but photography gets you out in the world, which I love… I learned quickly while focusing on various shoots with NYC musicians, artists, and models. My photography business started taking on a life of it’s own and keeps growing.


UM: What are some of your challenging moments?

WW: There are a lot of variables to juggle when shooting; lighting, sets, locations, timing, differing personalities; just to name a few. Each shoot has it’s own energy. Usually it’s magic, but sometimes the chemistry just isn’t there, or something is missing and you have to make it work. Improvising is just another aspect of creativity.

UM: What motivates you stay in the business?

WW: My love for the process as well as the final image keeps me going. I am happiest when I’ve put a shoot together and can see the vision come to life.

UM: Who and or What are some of your inspirations?

WW: 20th Century art and design, fashion, cinema, album cover photos I grew up with, music, nature, street art, and countless photographers and models; some famous, some down the street.

UM: Is it difficult to have a stable relationship in this business?

WW: Good communication and integrity are what keep any relationship stable, whether it’s with your clients, your colleagues, or in your personal life. That goes for any type of business, in my opinion.

UM: What are some of your accomplishments you'd like to speak about?

WW: Outside of conventional accomplishments like coming out of a challenging school [RISD] with honors, I’m most happy with the collaborations I’ve worked on with other creative people, repeat photography clients, and seeing the achievements of the art and design students I taught and mentored in the past. Aside from accolades and milestones in life, it’s our successful connections with other people that matter most.



UM: What do you bring that is unique to the industry?

WW: My combination of a formal fine arts background and professional digital design experience offers a well-rounded vision, I believe. I also care a lot about the essence of my subjects, so I work with them to bring it out. My favorite p Dennis Stock taught that a photo should be "51% subject and 49% photographer"... I agree that the photo should be about the subject and concept and not the photographer’s ego…. I’m also very inspired by beauty in all kinds of faces; I seek out diversity and try to stay away from the status quo.

UM: What are your views concerning Urban Mainstream magazine?

WW: I think it’s unique as it celebrates fashion and beauty while having a strong eye toward diversity, spirit, and consciousness. I love that combination and believe we need a lot more of it.

UM: Why did you agree to do the interview?

WW: Because of the points made in the previous question about UM, and to be honest, in this current economy we can all use a little exposure! I am glad to contribute and I do this interview with gratitude.

UM: How would you best describe your creative energy or flow?

WW: I have a cycle of inspiration I listen to. When I’m inspired, I can’t work fast enough to get the vision out. The hours fly by and it doesn’t seem like work. But with output there always needs to be input, so at those times I slow down and take time to research, network, learn, walk, and look. I go back to the street with my camera and just shoot for texture, motion, and interesting moments.

UM: What advice do you have for others trying to make a name in this business?

WW: It’s important to realize how drastically the industry has changed, even in the last couple of years. It’s harder to make a living, so I’d advise to start part time and be mindful of the redefined industry and struggling economy. (I still work as a designer!) Everyone has a camera in their pocket these days so it’s harder to stand out and make a living. Even major publications are grabbing citizen shots for free, and micro-stock agencies are selling photos for as little as a dollar. Hang onto the day job and just keep shooting; get better and do your thing, It’s tougher, but it’s still possible to make a name. Anything is possible with intention and a few reality checks along the way.


UM: What kind of mentality does it take for you to survive in this business?

WW: The challenge of any creative person is to nurture the creative flow and also be persistent at marketing, networking, and money management. And, unlike other art forms, if you are photographing people, then being a people person is key. People have to want to work with you. Word spreads fast whether positive or negative.

UM: What were your dreams growing up regarding what you would become once an adult?

WW: Simple: I wanted to be a visual artist from day one.

UM: Top 3 things for new people in the industry to be careful or mindful of?

WW: Like I said everyone has a camera in their pocket so you have to make it count.

1. Learn from the ground up and develop your eye; not just the techy stuff, but the elements of art and design, as well. Your point of view is more important than the kind of camera you have… Clement Mok said ‘The music ain’t in the piano’ and I think this goes for photography too!

2. Simply taking a picture of something pretty doesn’t make a great photograph, that’s documentation. We all need to be honest with ourselves: Are we just documenting or are we really capturing a unique moment or creating a constant vision?

3. Never stop learning. Go to workshops, seminars, exhibits of works past and present. I’ve seen exquisite photographers in their 80’s still taking notes and shooting for that perfect ‘decisive moment’. There is always more to learn, especially as technology advances and the possibilities increase.

UM: Have you ever been scammed and if so tell us your experience and what was your resolution?

WW: I can’t say I’ve been ‘scammed’ per se, but have had my share of flakes… Otherwise, it’s all been good.

intrinsic dignity

After going to a very long photo shoot this past weekend with multiple photographers shooting the same models, I was fascinated to see how differently the models were perceived and represented by the different shooters... It's opportunities like this that remind me we really are looking through each other's eyes when looking at photos. Along those lines, I've had a couple of dialogues recently (during a critique and w/ friends) about the act of capturing the dignity of a person when we photograph them. This is one of the most interesting alchemies of photography to me-- the interaction photographer and subject have during the process of creating a portrait. Do photographers have a certain essence we seek in our subject, either knowingly or unknowingly? Do we help evoke or motivate it based on who we are? Does this speak to our individual sense of humanity; either or respect for it or lack thereof? What does it say about us as photographers when we capture some one's intrinsic dignity; what does it say when we don't? This glimpse is something that fancy cameras, expensive lenses, and all the megapixels in the world cannot produce.

The Studio Chronicle Interview

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Had an interview and write up in The Studio Chronical. Many thanks to David Burns Smith for the invitation and incredible write up. I am humbled!

The Studio Chronicle
Journey Beyond The Artist’s Studio: Wendy Whitesell
 "Slick and sleek, Whitesell captures polished images that sell beauty, rendering a reality in far greater definition than they eye may even comprehend. At it’s best, photography carves out a world through light and shadow that represents reality transformed, beyond a document, simulating the physical complete with a sense of space, time, weight and corporeal properties. Through rich, sensual color, her works exhale a sense of life; through a complex tonally range, Whitesell captures moments. Shooting upstart musicians & tomorrow’s fashion model, Whitesell has one finger on the shutter release, and another on the future." -David Burns Smith

On the Verge




Plaster Magazine, June 2010 Issue
Great article on Kit Williamson; photo by yours truly.
Nice to contribute to this new NYC fashion and lifestyle mag :)