Photography is key to Stamford City Lifestyle. Without our talented photographers, our articles would not be as engaging. Today, if you have a phone, you have the ability to photograph. So, what sets images apart? What makes a photograph compelling? What makes a photographer interesting? Sometimes it’s taking a step three inches to the left or adding a prop. Sometimes it's looking for textures or shadows to enhance the image or shooting from a unique perspective. Four photographers: Jay Cohen, Laurie A. Guzda, Angela Strassheim and Jimmy ienner Jr - share their personal photography style in capturing evocative portraits.
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Jay Cohen
www.jcimagesphotography.com or follow on Insta @JayCohen13
After shooting seriously for over 15 years, I now view the world as if looking through a camera. Buildings, street corners, paths in the woods or people interacting, are no longer the sights of everyday life for me but the opportunity to “see” something that others don’t — beauty, art, and inspiring images. “Seeing” is more than observing but putting our surroundings in the context of artistic composition. My eye is drawn to symmetry and simplicity where a subject can stand out from the chaos that normally characterizes the world. There is a calmness and quietness to many of my fine art images, hopefully evoking feelings of tranquility. When photographing people, I try my best to bring out the uniqueness of the person and display the subject’s inner beauty in the image I create.
Laurie A. Guzda
www.LAGuzda.com or follow on Insta @LAGuzda
I particularly love shooting strangers that I meet along life’s journey. I seek to capture a moment that highlights their personal life story with a focus on strength and beauty… as I see them. My photo style is to present myself as a caring and curious human who sees something interesting in their style and energy. There’s definitely an energy, a vibe that connects. I have no qualm approaching people to ask if I may shoot them. I can count on one hand how many times people have declined. The result is an exchange of that energy in that particular moment. It is respect and affection made visible.
Angela Strassheim
www.angelastrassheim.com or follow on Insta @angelastrassheimphotography
I have been doing photography for as long as I have driven a car. Through the years I have explored many different kinds from forensics to food to portraiture and beyond. Although I started with large-format film cameras I now work mostly digitally. I love connecting with people and gifting them art of themselves. Photography has been my first language in communicating my ideas. I love how a well made image provokes conversation and thought. Typically my process is to set up the perfectly structured frame then document it as it morphs and falls apart. My current interest is when art and life photography merge together in the perfect harmony so that family photos become elevated and more meaningful. A great piece of art isn’t just beautiful- it’s something you can’t stop looking at and brings emotion into your everyday life.
Jimmy ienner, Jr.
www.ienner.com or follow on Insta @jimmyiennerjr
As a music and celebrity photographer, I feel a strong connection with musicians. Being a Stamford native and nonprofessional musician, I looked to my community for a project featuring local artists. I found the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra. The project is to blend the instrument and the musician with an appropriate environment for distinctive portraits. Nicholas and his trombone felt at home in the warm velvet and subtle lighting of the concert hall. Chié reflects the natural beauty of her music and the wood where the violin originates. Charlie is reminiscent of an all night jazz band heading home in the early morning hours.