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Exposing The Elegance of Women Thru Black and White Photography International Talent Resides in Northeast Ohio |
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| By G. Thomas Downing | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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January 2004
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When seeking the creative skills and international talent of a fashion photographer most will automatically think Paris, L.A. or New York City but never Mentor, Ohio. But, this is home to photographer James Lohrey. He did in fact travel abroad when he moved to Paris to attend Speos Photographic Institute. This is where Lohrey realized how crucial it would be to actually step out and follow his instincts if he were to make a difference. A difference he did make. “I studied fashion photography in Paris, but I have never liked working in the studio. I am a trained painter, and I like having an atmosphere and depth to my frame rather than having an artificial backdrop.” Lohrey expressed. “I feel that the studio homogenizes the feel. I find it is difficult to shoot a posing model or human mannequin, plus I just don’t enjoy it”. With this in mind, Lohrey went outside the studio and did some extra curricular shooting of his own with a beautiful 17 year old Russian model, Katia Rybakova. “It was absolutely critical to get a model who can be completely at ease and look natural in front of the camera.” proclaimed Lohrey. The instructors recognized Lohrey's unique style, and he was personally invited by the director of Atelier Chardon Savard to work independently with their aspiring fashion designers. “Photography needs to strike an emotion and communicate a feeling” Lohrey retorted when asked what his approach to a shoot was. When communicating a feeling it must not be perfect, some disorder in composition needs to take place” He continued. One can’t help but wonder how much cargo is being transported from location to location since you shoot in the real world. “Quite honestly it is a very simple production. All that is needed is a camera, a photographer, and a model. I utilize as much natural lighting as possible and the use of a simple light bulb or two when needed.” I understand that you worked on a lingerie shoot that you and many local ladies did in Historical Little Italy in Cleveland, what was that like? “That was a great experience, we shot in the local restaurants. The lingerie came from Sera Bella also from Little Italy. We were very well received, and I think the restaurant owners were pleased about the artistry of the photography. These images are now hanging on the wall at Sera Bella, a romantic boutique shop.” |
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