I have been a photographer for many years. For so long, in fact, that I can no longer imagine my life without a camera to capture its special moments. It took me quite some time before I was able to connect myself to being an artist, because in my mind a photographer and an artist were two distinctly different things. While they were both creative, they used entirely different processes to achieve their artistic goals. Over time, however, I have recognized the remarkable similarities in the way that we look at visual elements such as composition, colors, lines, and light. I have come to understand that what constitutes fine art stands apart from whatever techniques that we artists use to ultimately reach that special place.
My photographic interests have always been quite broad. Everything interests me, and my eyes are always scanning the world around me, composing what I see, as if through a camera lens. I believe that this comes from having learned to observe and interpret what surrounds me. My focus is on the candid capture of what I observe, whether the subject is people, landscapes, or nature. Planning is only a minimal consideration for me. Instead, I strive to remain aware and in the moment while allowing myself to be drawn into the scene by its combination of artistic elements. My attention is on the sounds, smells, light, colors, and above all, on the important visual narrative that will be instilled within each of my images.
If what I observe stirs something within me, then I want to record it so that I can return and experience it again. I want to remember what it made me feel at the very moment it was captured. I also want to share my work with others, in hopes that my images will reach out to the viewer and foster an emotional connection with them as well.
[All images copyrighted on date of capture by Carolyn Marshall and protected by US and International Copyright laws. They may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, or manipulated in any manner without prior written permission.]
Carolyn Marshall joined Fine Art America on July 26th, 2011.
