| |
|
|
At Vale Life we are extremely lucky to meet truly inspiring people - those who each have their story to tell and yet give so much to others. We are all the product of life's ups
and downs and it is the celebrations and disappointments in life that make us who
we are.
LIGHT AND DAY
Sometimes, others do not see who we are and who we want to be. Maryanne Hawes does! As the owner of Light & Day Photography, she sees what is imperceptible to the human eye, yet captures it perfectly through the eye of a lens. Here, she tells us about her reason for being.
What makes you different to other portrait photographers?
I specialise in natural light, as it's the best way to bring out authenticity and emotion in anyone. I prefer locations where clients can completely relax; often outside. We walk, talk, drink coffee, run or dance until we get the variety of shots we want. The client's experience is as important as the end result. I try not to put a time limit on portrait shoots; it takes as long as it takes to make the connection and evoke a response that will then come out as pure, real emotion in the image. No one is asked to fake it. No cheese!
Who do you like photographing most?
I love the way families interact with each other and in my 'Day in the Life' sessions, I really get to know the family and record their day in images.
Teen photography is another passion. As a mother of two, I know how vulnerable, yet full of potential these young adults are. I try to capture that fleeting moment of a child as he or she crosses the threshold into adulthood; it's a beautiful, challenging age of self discovery.
The 'Beloved' sessions are for people of all ages, at any stage in a relationship. It's about capturing the love between two people. Oh, and I love photographing pets, especially dogs.
Who chooses you?
Anyone who is prepared to connect with me to capture valuable memories and feelings.
Where is your client base?
I'll go anywhere if I feel my client really wants what I'm offering, but most of my work is in Cardiff and South Wales, Bristol and the West Country.
What do you love most about your work?
The constant creative challenges and energy needed to make each shoot special and original.
Why did you choose photography?
My mum was a successful monochrome landscape photographer and we grew up with a darkroom in the airing cupboard! I always had a creative urge and it took me a while to accept that, so eighteen months ago I took the plunge to set up in business.
You don't use a studio?
Not normally. However, this autumn sees me moving into a natural light studio built in our garden, where I can continue natural light portraits throughout the long dark days. It's not a studio in the usual sense of the word though; it will be naturally bright and comfortable for my clients and a step away from the great outdoors.
Everyone wants to look perfect -
what is your take on 'airbrushing'?
Digital post-processing is part of my job. I need to spend time enhancing any emotions that I'm trying to convey in someone's image. Sometimes I need to remove clutter, both literally and metaphorically. That is acceptable to me - body reshaping is not.
What makes you happiest?
Finding flow is my happiest state and the focused energy that my work gives me. My family, husband, children and travel. Oh, and chocolate.
Funniest moment in your job?
I can't divulge the funniest moment; but it involved a too tight pair of trousers. Most challenging piece of work? Recently, I spent 5 hours photographing a dozen dogs. Every shoot is fun and challenging. I had a 'Beloved' shoot in a Force 9 Gale.
Who would you most like to photograph, living or dead?
Hugh Laurie and Gandhi would have been an interesting one.
Any exciting plans for the future?
Plenty. Enhance the sessions I already provide. Also to create a more human and honest approach for business people who want portraits to capture the essence of their personality and their professional values. I want to show that location portraiture in natural light is an affordable, enjoyable experience in so many ways.
|
|
SISTER MAGAZINES
 
|
|
|
|
