Botanicals: Intimate Portraits
An introduction to her distinctive, dramatic botanical images
Laurie Tennent’s photographs capture precise, exquisite detail and expose what is often missed or dismissed. Her striking botanicals are represented in an impressive array of museums, galleries, exhibitions, public gardens, and private collections. Audiences are surprised by the power and form of her large-scale photographs, some of which are nearly eight feet in length, and some are displayed outdoors exposed to the elements.
Brilliant colors against the dark surface create a dramatic multi-dimensional image. An unorthodox approach to lighting and capture creates a dramatic effect. Although the compositions are bold, the work quietly reveals a delicate sensuality allowing the spectator to be submerged in the massive blooms and inner architecture of plant life. Her Botanicals portfolio is shown in gallery settings and is also planted outside in gardens providing a new dimension for exploring the botanical garden. The outdoor show participates in and intersects with the ever-changing landscape. Laurie will discuss this new approach to the botanical illustration genre.
Laurie, who has been an award-winning international photographer-artist for over 25 years, has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography from the College of Creative Studies in Detroit. She is a resident of Bloomfield Hills, MI with a studio in Birmingham, Michigan.
LAURIE TENNENT PHOTO ASSIGNMENT
Everyone is encouraged to participate in this exercise. Members who have signed up to have Laurie critique their images will hear from Dave Pumphrey soon. All members may submit their images to be posted in a new gallery on the website – send your images to Jeri Mearns.
ONE SQUARE FOOT WHAT LIES BENEATH
The purpose of this experiment is to observe what you might otherwise miss or walk over. Explore the unique patterns, textures and intricacies of nature.
1. Make a square that is 12 x 12 inches. This can be done out of cardboard, sticks or rope. Whatever you have available. Even an empty 12×16 frame is OK. Walk around and find an interesting place to drop the square. Or place it horizontally. Take a wide shot including your borders.
2. Then observe closely everything that is in that square foot.
3. See how many different compositions you can come up with using only the materials found within that square.
You may move the objects out of the square to make a photo.
Photos do not have to be shot in the square itself. But they may be.
The only rule is that you must use an object or objects from within that perimeter. Other backgrounds may be added.
Take 1 unedited shot of the square as you find it. Include all borders.
Create 2-5 shots of different compositions you make from elements within the square. Edits are OK.
On Feb. 1st Laurie will be back with us to critique the images from the 20 members who have signed up for this privilege, but we encourage all members to attend the session and submit images for the website.
