Portrait | Carmen Blike Photographe

The Envelope was Handwritten

In the US, I have a dear friend that receives my mail. Normally my mail is not exciting.

Last week was different.

She felt compelled to google “how do you do Google Hangout” so she could contact me in real time in France. “Can you receive texts?” arrived on my Google voice number. I’m curious.

“You got a handwritten letter today.”

Enough said.

It was an invitation to a high school graduation from a young lady I photographed oh so long ago.

We made portraits when she was 4 (currently not in my digital archives) and when she made her first Holy Communion, to welcome a new brother and as part of a family Christmas card (She was Thing 1).

I am so touched. Congratulations Rachel!

(I don’t feel old…I don’t feel old…I don’t feel old)

Dave and David 3 of 8

He wandered into my studio unannounced.
He willingly sat for my light testing. A client session would begin shortly.
It was Oct. 17, 2009.

Fast forward.

Last minute scramble to submit my assignment of a David Eustace-inspired environmental portrait. Eustace has been referred to as Scotland’s secret weapon, the only non-American invited to participate in USA Network’s Photographic Celebration of America’s Characters. His photography is simple and clean and compelling, something to integrate into my style of “seeing”.

My son Dave’s “In From the Cold” portrait reminded me of Eustace’s style in his Greene Street Project.

Voila! Homework done.

Environmental Portraits 1 of 8

First in series of environmental portraits inspired by 8 known photographers. Commercial photographer Don Giannatti has been leading several courses for portraiture and products.

Although I consider myself a lifelong student of photography, I’ve never immersed myself in an in depth study of contemporary photographers.

My friend graciously accepted to be photographed in a style similar/inspired by the work of Diane Arbus. Ms. Arbus explored the edges of society with a marked point of view.