I'M AN AMERICAN VOICE IN FRANCE-French Exhibition of America through the Eyes of 10 American Photographers...including me!
I was recently approached by French photographer and exhibition organizer Jean Maciera Marie asking if I would like to participate in an exhibition in Saint-Christoly-de-Blaye France. The were presenting ten American photographers...The theme being AMERICA THROUGH THE EYES OF AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHERS.
Our friend Sylvia connected me to Jean Marie in France and to a portfolio of my photographs of the Women's March on Washington DC, New Orleans, Alaska, Florida, Denver Pride, iPhone images of Route 66 and other images from my travels around the United States. He was thrilled with the content and asked me to participate in the exhibition. In the end he chose 70 of my images for the exhibition.
The images were displayed in an outdoor venue on large projection screens over two evenings...I wish I could have been there to actually see it! I was honored to be asked to participate, especially during these strained political times and the challenges to the rights of minority groups.
Below is part of the newspaper article and the translation as well as a selection of the images they used. I feel grateful and honored to be an American Photographer chosen to present on an international field. Thank you, Jean Marie & Sylvia, for the opportunity! For me to see my name associated with documenting rights for women and homosexuals is something that I could never have imagined. In a few days we are headed to D.C. again for the LGBTQ march on Washington...this time we have press passes! WHOOOOHOOO!
Left is one page of the article about the exhibition and below my best google translation attempt.
PARADES & MANIFESTATIONS (DEMONSTRATIONS)
Each has selected five shots that summarize their vision of this country that is both fascinating and disturbing. In order to have a look, an American photographer of Kalamazoo, Brian K Powers, also presented his vision of his country. 70 of his photos are projected on a loop in the room Vox. It tackles different themes and landscapes but also traditional parades and demonstrations for the rights of women and homosexuals.
A FEW OF THE IMAGES FROM THE EXHIBITION
MOM STORIES from my Portrait Studio-Shannon and her beautiful family
I met Shannon and her beautiful family when I was hired by Bronson Hospital to take photographs for a Mammography Awareness campaign. She and four other beautiful women were chosen by Bronson to be the faces of the campaign, which ended up on billboards and informational material around southwest Michigan. The Bronson shoot was really wonderful, not only because I captured beautiful images, but also because I was able to meet a group of five amazing women.
How I met Shannon and her beautiful family!
I met Shannon and her beautiful family when I was hired by Bronson Hospital to take photographs for a Mammography Awareness campaign. She and four other beautiful women were chosen by Bronson to be the faces of the campaign, which ended up on billboards and informational material around southwest Michigan. The Bronson shoot was really wonderful, not only because I captured beautiful images, but also because I was able to meet a group of five amazing women.
Shannon and the beautiful group of women chosen by Bronson Hospital to be the faces of the mammogram awareness campaign which ended up on billboards and informational material around southwest Michigan.
I was immediately drawn to Shannon and asked her she would like to bring her family into the studio for a family portrait...I was full of glee when she agreed! Of course, her husband was a gem and her three children some of the most well behaved, perfectly photogenic little ones I have ever had in my studio (lucky me)! It was a joy to photograph the McBride family. I think we captured a family at an important time in their lives, and have been in love the images from the session the moment I saw them. My partner and I have been lucky enough to spend some free time with Shannon, and it seems I run into her all over the town. It's a wonderful example of the people I get to meet and connect with...my job is a wonderful job indeed!
On a final note, Bronson has decided to do an update to the mammography awareness campaign. The five women will unite once again in my studio for another great day of laughter, connection, stories and more beautiful images that I will be proud to be a part of...I cannot wait to see this group of strong, beautiful women! Take a minute and see what a lovely family the McBrides are by viewingsome of the images from their session!
IN SHANNON'S OWN WORDS...
After undergoing health issues in 2015, it was really important to me to get a new family photo taken. I am not a photogenic person and every time I plan to get our family pictures taken, I cringe internally. Will the kids cooperate? Will the outfits match? Will we get at least one good family shot?
Upon meeting Brian and Dan, I knew that our experience would be different this time. Brian and Dan immediately connected with our children and really captured their unique personalities. They allowed them to act silly showcasing their unique styles. I loved so many of the prints of the children and it was so hard to choose a favorite. The images of my husband and I were truly wonderful! They captured the heart of our family. I feel so grateful that they took the time to make our family comfortable and look wonderful! I could never be more pleased and satisfied with the lasting memories that were made. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! Shannon
FASCINATORS? Photo Shoot with WMU Dance Student Tenille...Check out that very cool vintage fascinator!
Tenille walked into my studio smiling and ready for her headshot shoot. After chatting a minute she told me that she was from North Carolina. She was stunning, a kind spirit and had an amazing energy. She definitely exuded that southern charm. Tenille is a dance student at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. One of the first things Tenille showed me was this beautiful little satin rose and feather headband that she purchased in a thrift shop down south. She politely asked if I could use it in the shoot. I loved it! It was perfect, and in fact was just like the 'fascinators' my professional portrait photographer mentor Sue Bryce . She uses fascinators, headbands, scarves and any other accessory ion the most creative ways imaginable. So. I immediately said "let's use it as a choker!' and we were off. Here a few beautiful shots from the session.
Tenille walked into my studio smiling and ready for her headshot shoot. After chatting a minute she told me that she was from North Carolina. She was stunning, a kind spirit and had an amazing energy. She definitely exuded that southern charm. Tenille is a dance student at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. One of the first things Tenille showed me was this beautiful little satin rose and feather headband that she purchased in a thrift shop down south. She politely asked if I could use it in the shoot. I loved it! It was perfect, and in fact was just like the 'fascinators' my professional portrait photographer mentor Sue Bryce creates for her shoots. She uses fascinators, headbands, scarves and any other accessory ion the most creative ways imaginable. So. I immediately said "let's use it as a choker!' and we were off. Here a few beautiful shots from the session.
Tenille working her southern charm with a beautiful silk and feather fascinator she found in a thrift shop in the south. View the history of the fascinator here!
#kalamazoo #senior #seniorpics#seniorphotography #seniors2017#classof2017 #seniorportaits #classof17#seniorphotos #senioryear #portrait #grad#graduate #fashion #seniorphotographer#seniorpictures #almostdone #senioryear#2017senior #highschoolsenior #2017grad#beauty #fashionportrait #fashiondesigner#beautyphotography #modeltest#fashioneditorial #modelphotography
ENCORE Magazine-April 2017 Issue. Interesting stories from Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan!
April's issue of ENCORE magazine has some really interesting shoots in them. Below are some of the stories in this month's issue. I loved the shoots at the Portage Library with the women from the book donations and talking to Steve Rossio about the civil war letter they found in a donated book...as well as a book donated that was signed by Charles Lindberg. It was also interesting to tour the Cheff Terapeutic Riding Center with Tarar East. Take a look at this month issue!
April's issue of ENCORE magazine has some really interesting shoots in them. Below are some of the stories in this month's issue. I loved the shoots at the Portage Library with the women from the book donations and talking to Steve Rossio about the civil war letter they found in a donated book...as well as a book donated that was signed by Charles Lindberg. It was also interesting to tour the Cheff Terapeutic Riding Center with Tarar East. Take a look at this month issue!
HUMPHREY PRODUCTS
Humphrey Products was founded more than 100 years ago, Humphrey's innovations date back to the commercialization of gaslight products in 1901. Read more about Humphrey Products and their Kalamazoo history from 1901 to now here!
ART TOY & CLEAN ENERGY
Read about how Art Toy implementing his own Clean Energy in Lawrence Michigan! Pages 20 & 21
TARA EAST OF CHEFF THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER
Opened in 1970 as the first therapeutic riding center built especially for the purpose of serving those with special needs in the North America, the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center strives to focus on what individuals can accomplish, not on what they cannot.
Today, the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center serves riders of all ages who have physical, emotional or cognitive disabilities.
The Portage District Library Book Donations
Read about the Portage library on page 12 in this months issue. They find some very interesting things in peoples donations!
The Bakewell Company of Kalamazoo
The Bakewell Company sells handmade quiche, pot pies, and Bakewell tarts. Made with the best and freshest ingredients available, our products are as delicious as they are beautiful.
Some of their most popular flavors include:
- Sausage, Cheddar, and Chive
- Goat Cheese with Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper
- Caramelized Onion with Potato and Brie
- Ham and Cheese
- Mushroom, Swiss Chard, and Gruyere
- Broccoli Cheddar
- Jalapeno, Bacon, and Cream Cheese
FREE DOWNLOAD of 12 Ideas for your High School Seniors Photo Shoot!
I love to try new things with my high school seniors. As a portrait and High School senior photographer in southwest Michigan, the search for beautiful shoot locations is easy. But I'm always willing to try anything that might be different and unique. Tucker asked if I could incorporate his guitar in his senior portrait session. That in itself was nothing new, but when we starting our consult he mentioned he had a ukulele, and electric guitar and an acoustic guitar and couldn't decide which he liked more or wanted to be in his portrait. This was my chance..."let's do all three!" Tucker was definitely into it, but I could see he was skeptical by the look on his face. My sentiment was what did we have to lose?
I love to try new things with my high school seniors...
I love to try new things with my high school seniors. As a portrait and High School senior photographer in southwest Michigan, the search for beautiful shoot locations is easy. But I'm always willing to try anything that might be different and unique. Tucker asked if I could incorporate his guitar in his senior portrait session.
That in itself was nothing new, but when we starting our consult he mentioned he had a ukulele, and electric guitar and an acoustic guitar and couldn't decide which he liked more or wanted to be in his portrait. This was my chance..."let's do all three!" Tucker was definitely into it, but I could see he was skeptical by the look on his face. My sentiment was what did we have to lose?
I created this picture by putting my camera on a tripod, taking three seperate shots and then compositing them together in Photoshop.
To actually get this shot...
To actually get this shot I had to put my camera on a tripod and not move it. We cleared the room and positioned items such as the amplifier and lamp where we wanted them. Then I took three separate shots of Tucker in the three separate positions with each instrument, making sure nothing else in the room moved between the shots. I used Photoshop to composite (blend or stack) the three shots together and voila! Tucker and his mom loved this shot and it was super fun and easy to do. It is one of my favorite shots to try to incorporate into a session. I have used this technique for other high school seniors as well as families. I'll blog some of those in the future, but I've included a link below if you want to see a few more.
On a side note: This image was not the final product because I eventually noticed I left my Diet Coke bottle on the bookshelf :) I definitely photoshopped THAT out before I delivered the image, but I thought it was fun to include it here.
senior #seniorpics #seniorphotography #seniors2017 #classof2017 #seniorportaits #classof17 #seniorphotos #senioryear #portrait #grad #graduate #fashion #seniorphotographer #seniorpictures #almostdone #senioryear #2017senior #highschoolsenior #2017grad
Behind the scenes video having fun with the WMU Dancers Cayla, Olivia and Samantha.
In the past couple weeks, I've been posting my images of the beautiful students from the WMU dance program dancers Cayla, Olivia, and Sam. It's been a lot of fun and I have learned so much. I have been lucky enough to find dance student Cayla (in the beautiful princess dress) and her boyfriend Nate, who are into AND great at shooting video. They did a wonderful job at putting together this sweet promo video for me. The black dress and the princess dress is from Memories Bridal & Evening Wear located in downtown Kalamazoo...em but I am responsible for the Tulle...sorry!
In the past couple weeks, I've been posting my images of the beautiful dance students from the WMU dance program Cayla, Olivia, and Sam. It's been a lot of fun and I have learned so much. I have been lucky enough to find dance student Cayla (in the beautiful princess dress) and her boyfriend Nate, who are into AND great at shooting video. They did a wonderful job at putting together this sweet promo video for me. The black dress and the princess dress is from Memories Bridal & Evening Wear located in downtown Kalamazoo...em but I am responsible for the Tulle...sorry!
I love this video! I think it shows how much fun I have in the studio, how important it is to make people feel comfortable and how I love what I do...those who know me are not surprised by my display of "my love of how I wished I could dance" in the video. I think it succinctly captures the joy and passion I have for photography. Thank you SO MUCH Cayla & Nick...I love this!
#existinpictures #wmudance #briankpowersphotography #kalamazoohighschoolseniors
Yes! I would like to be kept informed on interesting things and beautiful shoots!
WMU Dancer Samantha rocks the "Little Black Dress" in the studio
Samantha is another wonderful dance student from the WMU dance department. Memories Bridal & Evening Wear provided the amazing "Little Black Dress". I first photographed Sam for an ENCORE Magazine article about their 20th Anniversary Winter Gala. I've included images from their rehearsal for the gala. Sam was covered in a white parachute dress dancing dramatically to the classic musical piece Flight of the Valkyries. It was truly beautiful and it was only a rehearsal. Months later, I am with Sam in the studio with this amazing little black dress with side cutouts. The session was short but fruitful. I love the these images of Sam and her intense and easy connection to my camera.