Perception.

It’s a word we’ve been discussing around the studio the last couple of days.

Think of a red carpet event - celebrities walking towards an exclusive party, projecting an aura of superiority while adoring fans and paparazzi scream and pop off pictures. Only two things are separating the famous from the fans: a red velvet rope and perception. The sense of value placed on the celebrities is one of vision. They are seen differently. Even more so, they are seen.

That is where perception crosses with photography. If what and how we perceive determines what and how we value, then photography becomes a powerful tool. It is a tool that can place images, and in those images ideas, into the perception of a viewer. If used well, it can help to put concepts into light where they may never have otherwise been seen. What happens in front of the lens and is ultimately passed on to the audience is the photographer’s opportunity to participate in the creation of something valuable, and even values themselves.

This value/perception connection places a responsibility on the artist. It is first and foremost a responsibility of understanding - knowing one plays a role in the shaping of perception. But the joy of this responsibility is the act of participation; taking on and living into that understood role. No photographer, nor anyone, should have the misconception that they alone are creating value. Each individual (creatives especially) should take pleasure in the opportunity to join actively and positively in the conversation that leads to the creation of value.

Passing through town, I gave Jimi a call. “Hey I’m in the area. Mind if I stop by and see your new studio?” Upon arriving I found that the studio was more of a construction site at that point, but I was still captivated. If it’s photo anything, it has my attention.

Looking for a reason to stick around for such an interesting project I quickly offered my services to any project that needed to be worked on. The only project left was to paint… everything! Three days later I found paint splattered on my only set of “passing through clothes”, and the beginning of a great relationship with Jimi Allen Photography.

-Chris

I love gallery shows…the beautiful prints, the family time, the music, the flowers…the food…

This coming Saturday is our 10th wedding gallery show. It’s one thing to see wedding pictures online or as proofs, but it is quite another to sit with family and friends while moments are projected on a large screen set to music. More than one bride has teared up at the sight!

In a few hours the studio is transformed with large prints, fresh flowers and a decadent cheese tray. Though we sell prints as these shows, that is not the primary focus.

Have you ever loved something so much that you spent a lifetime crafting a skill to preserve it as a memory? We have.

Art isn’t something you only see at the Art Institute in Chicago, art communicates. Art is the realization and remembrance of who we are. Art validates our experiences. At a wedding gallery show, memories take physical form in a photograph and relationships are honored.

By the end of the evening, we have continued relationships and built new ones. We also go to sleep full of pepper jack cheese and mimosas humming “Fly Away” by Frank Sinatra.

- amy

“Ask Kate.”

This might as well the motto around the studio. As studio manager and photographer, Katharine is constantly juggling more than a few responsbilities. At any given moment she could be designing a card, invoicing a client, setting up a commercial shoot or talking to a bride about her wedding day itinerary. Though she keeps everyone in line, she is nothing like a drill sergeant…what drill sergeant do you know who wears pink sweaters and bakes oatmeal cookies?

There’s really no other way to do it. Jumping in is the best course of action. By the time you were caught up on the story, we would again be behind. I have concluded that the best thing is to just jump in, just like my dad made me do my first day of swimming lessons. “Get in the water…you’ll figure out the rest as we go along.”

There is always something happening. If you are interested in photography, this is the place for you. If you love art, you will appreciate our thoughts. If you know us and think we are worth reading about, you will not be disappointed.