Creativity and Imagination

 art (noun) /ärt/ 

 "the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power."

I never considered myself an artist. When I was younger, an artist was someone who could work magic with scrap paper and a dull pencil.

As I got a little older and continued my "art" education, I viewed artists as abstract, confusing, ancient, and usually bizarre. I do remember learning that the artists usually become famous for stepping outside the boundaries of their time and creating works of art (that part I found to be the highlight of their story)...but the paintings never interested me. And lets also be honest, I was way too caught up on my social life and the next house party that I didn't take the time to TRY and find interest in those things. 

You never know when you will surprise yourself.

When the freedom came to select classes in high school that I found interest in, I didn't realize the excitement and wonder I had for film, television, and photography until I luckily had numerous choices. It wasn't what all my friends were doing but I had no hesitation to follow my interests. I loved everything about my high school classes (photography, TV media) and I give all credit to those few years for paving my path to Tampa where I began the real journey of becoming the "artist" inside.

My journey in college as a film major not only gave me an unforgettable college experience and lots of time to lay by the pool, but it gave me a passion that continues to grow.

I love finding the time to step away from everything and really see the beauty of just the basic every day things through my camera. Finding a way to balance the craziness of life and allowing yourself the time you deserve to enjoy YOU isn't always easy. But I have made a promise to myself to not forget what life really is all about...(and its definitely not working every day of your life)!

Cheers!
Amy

x

The Name

Since I know I will be asked by my friends and family what the name, "The Lens Noir" means, 

I wanted to provide an exact explanation for this name. There are 2 parts to this...

REASON #1: I credit my passion for photography from my love for film.

I still love film...and even if it is not what I do for a living. I still enjoy reading about how movies are made, reading books that are becoming or later going to become movies, and analyzing the way the movie was shot (instead of paying attention to the actual storyline). I took a college course on film directors and we analyzed some notable and reputable directors, like Alfred Hitchcock and Spike Lee. 

One thing I loved about the older films was the darkness most films portrayed. Yes, these particular films were black and white but the overall FEELING of the film was what made them DARK.
This particular style really caught my attention because it was different than anything else I had studied...the films intrigued me because of the artistic reasoning behind this style. It told a story but in a different way...sometimes it was just because of the angle of the camera, or other times you were thinking more about what was off screen than on...and i loved that interesting way to look at a film. This is called Film Noir. 

If you google it, you will read:

1. 

   Film noir (/fɪlm nwɑr/; French pronunciation: ​[film nwaʁ]) is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations.

Now, I can't say my style of photography is related to crime or sexual motivations in any way....However, it's the mystery in the films or photographs that inspires me to shoot in my own way.  

In order for me to do this, I need to look beyond the obvious and see what else surrounds an object or person, whether literally or figuratively.

REASON #2: I love wine, especially Pinot Noir.

Sometimes you have the best ideas after a glass or 4 of the finest boxed noir. 

Cheers,

Amy

Photography by Amy Cohen

 The Lens Noir:

Photography by Amy Cohen