INSPIRED Influences...

Here are two quotes I do my best to be aware of and "live" by whether I am photographing for my clients or for myself... Henri Cartier-Bresson: "To take a photograph means to recognize – simultaneously and within a fraction of a second– both the fact itself and the rigorous organization of visually perceived forms that give it meaning. It is putting one’s head, one’s eye, and one’s heart on the same axis." If you are not familiar with H. Cartier-Bresson, you really ought to learn about him. His work is renowned and he is the one photographer most other photographers would probably say they admire the most for many reasons - I know I do! Really, take time to know of him and see his work; it is more lyrical than can be imagined! Arnold Newman: "We do not take pictures with our cameras; we take them with our hearts and minds." I have loved A. Newman's portrait work forever! He is probably the one photographer who has influenced my work more than anyone else! His imagery always constantly exists in the back of my mind when I "see." No matter if I am working or just being present. His work is strong and real and artful. Both are so INSPIRING to me because they used their hearts and their minds when photographing. They had the necessary technical knowledge and command over their cameras that allowed them to align their creative abilities with their emotions so perfectly when they instinctively created incredible images in an instant! These are qualities I hope every photographer would strive for; at least I know I do. I often times hesitate to write about these photographic and philosophic topics because I think, 'people don't know me well enough to believe that I'm not saying these things for some self-serving reason.' But then I counter that thought with, 'the people that do know me know that I always speak from my heart." The statements of H. Cartier-Bresson and A. Newman perfectly describe the magic of photography for ME! Of how it is for me when that perfect moment aligns and I just know what I've created is really, really good! It really is like magic and keeps me so INSPIRED to create better and better imagery for my clients and for myself! To create with intensity like this, with your heart, soul, mind and camera, involves a simultaneous "self" and "other" awareness. Without this awareness anyone could call themselves a "photographer." All it would take to earn the title would be to click the shutter hundreds of times with the hopes of getting one good shot instead of creating with decisive and deliberate intention. So, if you are a couple getting married, try to look hard at the work of your photographer-to-be when considering them for one of the most important moments in your life. And if you aspire to be a photographer, or consider yourself having earned the title already, keep examining your work closely to make sure that you are keeping your camera off of "P" (it really doesn't stand for "professional" anyway) and pushing yourself to be the best you can be for your clients at all times. BIG love, Joanne Bartone, Photographer

Kicking off my 2008 season: Laura + Chris!

Laura and Chris' wedding was my first wedding of 2008, and it was SPECTACULAR! WOW! ...is all I have to say! What a wedding! Everything took place in Oakland: the ceremony was held at the First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh and the reception was held at the Carnegie Music Hall, which I don't think I've ever seen "dressed" so beautifully to the nines before! The whole day was a spectacular affair replete with a gorgeous bride, a dashing groom, family and friends to celebrate with long into the night, food to die for and two spectacular settings at the Carnegie: The Music Hall for the celebration, and an After Party in the Art Museum Cafe that was transformed into and rivaled a NYC nightclub! I knew it would be an incredible affair, so I asked a couple of local photographers to come along and help me capture the splendor of the ceremony and celebration. You may have heard of them before... Heather Lahtinen and David Burke - we had a blast! First of all, we get along so well on and off the work circuit, and when we do have the good fortune to work together I know I can rely on their styles of shooting to complement my own! If I must say so myself, we are a phenomenal team of shooters and I was so happy to have them with me to photo Laura and Chris throughout the day. Thanks my peeps; you are the best! Here is a teaser slide show from the hundreds of beautiful images I captured throughout the day. I chose to focus on Laura and Chris throughout the slide show since this was their special day. And below, I have two additional links for more imagery from Heather and David that will continue to delight you! Enjoy!

Click Here to see Heather Lahtinen's Images on her blog. Click Here David Burke's Images in a slide show. Additional Vendors that did a spectacular job with the wedding - great job everyone! Wedding Coordinator: Mary Jo Romano Video: Gordon Schu Video Productions Flowers: James Floral & Gift Shoppe Photo Booth: Ryan Pitaro

Celebrating Photographers I Admire...

The month of March has been designated to celebrate women's history, so I thought I would encourage the knowledge and celebration of a few of my favorite pioneering and contemporary women photographers, not listed in any particular order. Please take a moment to explore each of the links below that will take you to Google Images to see their work. If you are INSPIRED by any one of these wonderful photographers, perhaps you might look a little deeper into how each of them came to envision and create their art. Then, take some time to see how they might influence the work you do, whether your specialty is weddings, art or editorial work...enjoy!

Mary Ellen Mark Sylvia Plachy Sally Mann Berenice Abbot Imogen Cunningham Tina Modotti Joyce Tennyson Ruth Bernhard Annie Liebowitz Dorthea Lange Lola Alvarez-Bravo Esther Bubley Diane Arbus

Thanks for stopping by my INSPIRED by light blog! All my best, Joanne Bartone Photographer