Fascinating Beauty

Josh Fender

2008-02-11T18:33:00.000-08:00

I worked in Alumni Relations at Eureka College, my alma mater, for nearly 5 years before going out on my own with Creative Services. I was fortunate to meet and get to know many amazing students while there. Josh was a student who was on his way to pursuing an acting career.

As a graduation gift his mother gave him a portrait so he would have pictures to hand out in California. I love actors. They take direction well and are trained to trust their peer professionals. This portrait was not one he featured in his portfolio but is one that represents the quiet strength of his character and likability. Kind, encouraging and friendly with all he dealt with.

Tabitha

2008-02-11T18:31:00.000-08:00

As an artist I am full of insecurities. I read these insecurities drive the creative process and result in even better pieces.

Along the insecurity road I am blessed to come across key clients who have tremendous faith in me and abilities. When Tabitha approached me about photographing her wedding I asked all the usual questions about her goals and she said two things 1 -I love photography and want it to be a large part of the wedding AND 2 - I like your style do what you want.

We photographed 5 different times in addition to the wedding day. Here we were walking along River Street in Peoria with her mother as an assistant and these clouds appeared. I asked her to climb up on the concrete posts and pose against the sky. She never questioned my goals and just went with it.

Lori

2008-02-11T18:30:00.000-08:00

Another one from pre-history.

In my early days as a photographer I photographed beautiful people whenever I could without necessarily having a clear goal. Lori was a modeling student at a school I taught at in the late 80's. It is not always photographically rewarding to shoot someone that you think is beautiful. You see them and think 'WOW' but the images end up really flat and lifeless. Lori and I hit it off immediately and a sense of trust built in our relationship. The stronger the bond the more successful the images. Even though I was not sure the goal of this shoot the resulting images pleasantly surprised me.

Lori was young, energetic and really worked hard to make the pictures work.

Rabbi

2008-02-11T18:29:00.000-08:00

One of the most fascinating aspects of photography is the people one meets. While shooting for the Savannah Morning News in Savannah, Georgia I was sent to a synagogue to photography a Rabbi. I cannot be accused of taking a long time to set up my shots but I do take quick notice of environmental opportunities to compliment my subjects.

For the Rabbi portrait he politely gave me 15 minutes to photograph him. I try for the safe shot first and if time allows I expand the portrait. This one is the secondary shot where I discovered the captivating stained glass windows of the synagogue, placed him in front of the windows trying for an angel effect with the roof lights. One of my favorites over the years.

Bob Veigel

2008-02-11T18:23:00.000-08:00

Bob called me on a Saturday and shared an opportunity that he had to be featured in a national publication regarding a letter he wrote regarding cigars. He needed a portrait to accompany the letter.

My family was planning dinner at The Oyster Bar in East Peoria and invited Bob to meet us there. On the back porch late on a Summer afternoon I was blessed to capture the essence of Bob in his joy for life and cigars.

I have known Bob over 4 years through our mutual interest in cigars and fine spirits. Our group of about 20 guys have been meeting monthly as The Gentlemen's Cigar Society of Central Illinois. Many of my fellow club members will be featured in this blog over the upcoming months. I have forever impressed with their passion for life, their interest in cigars, great spirits and for their fellow club members.

Brittany

2008-02-11T18:22:00.001-08:00

Brittany was introduced to me through a mutual friend to her mother.

Brittany was attending modeling classes out of Bloomington and even though they were encouraged to use a photographer out of Chicago they contacted me.

I was impressed that Brittany immediately trusted me and climbed all over an abandoned warehouse to make my vision a reality. She never doubted my goals and gave of herself to create approachable and intriguing images.

Even though I consider myself a fair photographer I pride myself on creating trusting bonds with my subjects. Brittany's images are the result of a wonderful mutual trust between the photographer and subject.

Miss Jana

2008-02-11T18:17:00.000-08:00

Miss Jana's beauty is not just in herself but in the man she loves and supports with her heart. Her husband is a friend of mine and not a meeting goes by that I do not hear his love for her and more importantly her love for him. I consider him a great man who inspires me greatly. He, in turn, credits all that he is with the love and support he receives from her.

I consider Miss Jana a classy lady and was reluctant in asking her to pose in downtown Peoria but when I mentioned my idea she was thrilled and gave all of herself during the portrait. We ended up with many wonderful images one of which is featured in my Fascinating Beauty booklet.

I hope everyone has someone in their lives that loves their spouse as Jana does hers.

Gary Schmick

2008-02-09T13:26:00.001-08:00

Gary is one of the more energetic, friendly and business minded people I have had the pleasure to meet. The fascination I find with Gary is his optimism that is shared through his smile, infectious laugh and the best he finds in those he meets.

This image was taken while we golfed during which he shared his passion for life, his biography, his work ethic and how he has regretted little.

He re-affirmed my entrepreneurial efforts and assured me I was on the right path and that all the struggles and self-doubt is worthwhile.

Chrissy - Introducing Fascinating Beauty

2008-02-09T13:22:00.000-08:00

Since I was 18 I have been intrigued by beauty. For most of the years since then I thought people saw the same as me and that same beauty. In 2004 I was blessed with a conversation with a friend discussing this portrait.

He knew the subject and commented even though he found her attractive he never saw her the same way as I did in the creation of this portrait. Intrigued by his response I shared other portraits of mutual friends and have gained an insight that inspires me to this day.

To me these images arrive naturally. I see the person, connect with them, gain their trust and let the photography begin. Through my teaching I discuss the 3 phases of producing quality imagery - creation, manipulation & presentation. Typically I spend 60% shooting, 30% manipulating and 10% presenting - in this case the blog.

I have struggled with an appropriate outlet for my imagery including traditional portraits, family shoots, personal gathering, weddings and art shows. Like the introduction of digital imagery Blogs have introduced a path to share my passion and develop a way to share they way I see.

With this entry I am beginning a very personal part of my vision and the passion I have for the fascinating beauties I have met. In the near term I am working on a project that will result in 100+ portraits in a book, featured in an art show and provided a canvas print in addition to the portrait session. Find out more by going to: Fascinating Beauty Booklet