My Philosophy
Mission
Missions statements are used to help others understand why you do what you do rather than what exactly it is that you do. Mission statements are about the “why” instead of the “how” or the “what.
Purpose
A purpose statement is a single statement that defines the reason your company exists—beyond simply making a profit. It also illustrates how your product or service positively impacts the people you serve.
Artist's Statement
I once read that one should never begin an artist’s statement with the word “I.” (I also once read “Mistakes are one of our most effective teachers.”) It seems that we often take “experts” and “common knowledge” as truth, without examining the consequences of the assumptions that are often presented as “facts.” Historically, photography has been defined as “writing with light,” capturing what is before us.
I propose that the images we create are both representations of the world around us and (I believe more importantly) the way we see it. These images are our way of saying “here, look- share my world!” To do this takes time, attention, and a focus in the present moment.
Consider this thought by the poet William Blake:
This life's five windows of the soul
Distorts the Heavens from pole to pole
And leads you to believe a lie
When you see with, not through the eye
He’s saying our five senses are imperfect, distorting perception of reality; that we need to see through, not with our physical form. This is a spiritual rather than a physical approach to perception. It requires time, thought, present-moment awareness, and conscious attentional management.
Compare this to our present-day crazy-busy pace of life where, on certain social media platforms we spend less than one second on each image as we scroll and endless procession of invective, political rants, and selfies. I like to think of my art as an “alternative-to-social media” approach; It invites consideration, contemplation, and intentional thought through the eyes of another.
This was articulated by Marcel Proust in La Prisonnière: “The only true voyage, the only bath in the Fountain of Youth, would be not to visit strange lands but to possess other eyes, to see the universe through the eyes of another, of a hundred others, to see the hundred universes that each of them sees, that each of them is.”
With this we have a choice between a dictionary-prescribed, social media-ish abbreviated version of the world before us, or the option to look deeply and at length; both at our world and, as Mr. Proust proposed, “eyes of another, of a hundred others, to see the hundred universes that each of them sees.”
This opens for us a vastly expanded human experience; please take a few moments, perhaps look a little deeper and longer; welcome to my (and our) world!
Code of Ethics
Studio1761 believes in creating art that celebrates worthy and significant form and thought. We unconditionally place the physical and emotional safety of all participants above any other concern, and avoid risky behavior. We take a proactive approach to potential problems, and place particular emphasis on prevention.
- all people must be treated with dignity and respect.
- a safe and professional environment is a basic human right.
- all photographic activity must be conducted in a safe and professional environment.
- raising the standard of ethics and professionalism within the dance and fine art photography industry.
- accountability and oversight of our craft for the betterment of all individuals working in our industry.
- conducting business with the utmost integrity, transparency, and honesty in all activities.
- a zero-tolerance policy regarding discrimination, bullying, inappropriate conduct, passive-aggressive behavior, or harassment of any kind, in any form (whether in person, on social media, or through texting).
- using clear verbal communication for directing, posing, and other on-set movements of a model/subject.
- keeping physical contact to a minimum, and conducting it in a professional manner when it is necessary.
- discouraging risky behavior and extension of oneself beyond one’s capabilities, or making anyone uncomfortable in any situation.
- avoiding collaboration of any kind with anyone who (either for profit or in trade) is found to be in violation of, or does not conform to, this code of conduct.
- A private, separate dressing space option will be made available to everyone appearing in a photoshoot.
- Models are encouraged to bring an escort/chaperone/assistant to a photoshoot.
- Physical contact will be made with models for professional reasons only (moving a piece of hair, adjusting clothing, tucking in a garment tag, etc.), after obtaining permission. Models may decline such contact for any reason without negative impact, pressure, or conflict.
- Any concerns expressed by a model/subject regarding body exposure will be honored, and no model/subject will be pressured to expose themselves beyond their comfort level.
- Studio1761 will not digitally manipulate models’ body/face shape to create an unrealistic representation of the dancer’s capabilities or beauty standards. If this editing is done for creative/artistic reasons, the intent will be disclosed in advance.Studio1761 engages in ethical social media practices: no misrepresentation of identity, actual number of authentic followers, capabilities, etc.
- All activities conducted during a photo or video shoot will comply with applicable laws and regulations.
- Photoshoot participants must not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs (including unauthorized prescription drugs).
- In the event of a model younger than 18, a parent/legal guardian needs to accompany the model to the shoot. The chaperone will have access to any reasonable space where the model may be (with the exception of private changing areas.)
- The physical, mental, and emotional safety of all persons involved is of utmost importance: this shall be given first consideration in all activities.
- No exploitation of any person, of any kind, is tolerated.
- Studio1761 will not work with models who engage in unsafe weight management practices.
- Studio1761 does not tolerate any form of body shaming.