Colleen Rice, Pasadena
Member Since May 2007
Artist Statement I began taking photography seriously since about 1985. After learning all the technical information necessary for 35mm SLR, it became fun and second nature. I photographed anything and everything. I began my business in photography when about the same time as well. I photographed aspiring models, weddings, and Los Angeles unsigned bands. Coming from a large family of 8 (I am the eighth), I also became the family photographer. I don't think I exist in my family photos, as I was always behind the camera. (Now I simply flip the camera around if I want a good shot of myself.)
Over the years, I moved from my own 35mm printing darkroom to my new chemical free digital darkroom. While I can never rid myself of my old 35mm SLR camera, I believe digital photography today offers a broader, more creative outlet than ever before. If I take a technically beautiful shot (like the flowers I have in the gallery), I am a photo "purist" - no color alterations or adjustments. I will only do the standard minimal image sharpening (which everyone should do), and the check of the white balance as every brand of camera has a preference to a different color hue. However, if I take a photo that seems just "nice", but there is that something special about the subject or framing - than I create a "Photart" (aka PHART)! A release of pure spontaneous random photo manipulation with various digital tools. I tweak quickly and furiously until all of sudden, what I am looking at is my idea of "perfect". My Polihale shot is just one of those creations.
There is not one subject that is more pleasing to me than another. I just shoot when I can. I think it is the creation process overall that I love. If I am not feeling very creative when I download my images, I can go back to them later. That is a great aspect about digital. You would never leave your old chem darkroom in the middle of a printing session.
No matter how I or you look at photography, I enjoy creating it, and can only hope you might find something pleasing enough to purchase for yourself or a friend.
Thank you for taking the time look at my creations.
Colleen Rice
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