Tuesday Jul 02, 2024

"Portraits of Change: The Art of Storytelling"

In this episode of "The Camera Cafe Show," we delve into the inspiring journey of Nikon Ambassador Carolyn Mendelsohn, a UK-based multiple award-winning photographer, renowned for her evocative portraiture and storytelling. Carolyn shares with us her transition from acting to photography and detailing how her background in theater has enriched her visual storytelling. We explore together her acclaimed personal projects such as "Being Inbetween," which captures the transitional period of pre-adolescence in girls, "Hardy and Free" and "Living with Dementia" while we discuss the profound impact of this work both for audience in exhibitions as for her subjects. Carolyn talks about her artistic process, her approach to long-term projects, and her ability to capture the essence of her subjects with sensitivity and depth.

Carolyn also opens up about the technical aspects of her craft, sharing her preferred gear, how it enhances her creative process and how it enables her to make the pictures she wants to make. She provides us valuable advice for aspiring photographers, emphasizing the balance between technical proficiency and having an artistic vision. This episode with Carolyn is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of portrait photography, the power of visual narratives to tell compelling personal stories and starting your own project.

**The Transcription of this Episode is Available on our Website**

Key Takeaways:

Transition from Acting to Photography: How a background in acting and theater influenced her transition to photography, enriching her ability to tell compelling visual stories.

Long-term Projects: Learn about Carolyn’s approach to long-term photographic projects, including her ongoing work, and the importance of maintaining continuity and depth over time.

Gear: Carolyn discusses her preferred camera equipment, highlighting how her choice of gear enhances her ability to capture authentic and intimate portraits.

Balancing Personal and Professional Work: Carolyn talks about how she balances personal artistic projects with professional work, sharing strategies for maintaining creative integrity while sustaining a career in photography.

Dealing with Creative Blocks: Discover Carolyn’s methods for overcoming creative blocks and staying inspired, including the importance of patience, observation, and connecting deeply with her subjects.

Mentoring and Teaching: Carolyn emphasizes her role as a mentor and educator, offering valuable advice to aspiring photographers on developing their skills and finding their unique voice in the art form.

Future Projects: Get a sneak peek into Carolyn’s future projects and themes she is excited to explore, reflecting her ongoing evolution as an artist and storyteller.

Enjoyed our show? Support us with a $2 coffee to Move our Podcast Forwards! 😉

https://ko-fi.com/thecameracafeshow

Check out more of Carolyn's work:

Website: https://www.carolynmendelsohn.com/

Through Our Lens: https://www.throughourlens.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynmendelsohn_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.mendelsohn.photography/

Twitter: https://x.com/tarlyn

Connect with The Camera Cafe Show and don't forget to Follow and Subscribe

Website: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/CameraCafeShow

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecameracafeshow