featureartist
CHARLENECOLLINS

After searching through engines and scouring the net, we finally found ourselves exploring hundreds of photographers on Flickr. As for the first featured artist, we had something particular in mind and Charlene was it. Her vast array of images span from product, people, landscape, and everything inbetween. As we discovered her portfolio, we quickly realized that she is on the edge of being a professional photographer. Many of her shots are far from amatuer and she most definitely has a bright future ahead of her.

Charlene has the capability of telling a story or conveying a message through her photography that captures feeling and emotion. She also has a keen sense for natural, existing compositions and candid portraits in ambient lighting. When asking Charlene what she likes to photograph, this is what she had to share with us:

"Natural, existing compositions and candid portraits in ambient lighting always catch my eye. Kids are my favorite subjects; they are beautiful with their openness and innocence. I also consider myself fortunate because I live in a vibrant and beautiful country where there is absolutely no shortage of enchanting people and places. Serendipitously, I find myself in the right place at the right time to record the story telling.

People, especially children, attract me. I rarely ever ask people to pose, or place them in a studio like setting, because they are way more interesting in their comfortable surroundings. Initially there may be self consciousness because they think that the usually impoverished surroundings are something to be ashamed of. Establishing a rapport is really important to geta great snapshot of their life.

My favorite for 2009 is the little girl in the turban. Not only was she stunningly beautiful child, but she had such a regal air. It was easy to believe that she was a princess despite the obvious poverty which surrounded her.

Charlene first began her studies attending evening classes in Photography at Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston. The camera that she uses is a Nikon D80. Accomplishments span from winning the first prize in the Air Jamaica SkyWritings magazines Give us your Best Shot in 2008 to several honorable mentions in the annual JCDC Festival Photographic Competition in 2006. As for the future, she will be placing her concentrationon on improving her technical skills in the areas of lighting and photo editing as well as gaining more insight on marketing and selling her prints."

Creativity is a part of Chralene's family. Her father, a retired banker, expresses his creativity by designing and redesigning their shops and home, mother is a great baker, and the younger brother was the producer and director of a popular lifestyle show for local television.

To share your thoughts on Miss Charlene...click here!

If you would like to view more of Chralene's portfolio, you can find her at http://www.flickr.com/photos/wisugar/ and http://charlenecollins.aminus3.com/portfolio/

To contact Charlene, email her at charlene.collins@yahoo.com or calll: 876.441.4118.

Click below to view a few more of our favorite picks from Charlene's portoflio.