Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Chen.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
When I was 8-years-old my second-grade teacher Mrs. G, assigned a photography project. With this project my first camera was purchased. It was a disposable 35mm film camera that you can’t rip off the cardboard packaging from or else that will expose the film and ruin your photos. Not being exactly fancy or high-class, the only function was the flash that had to be charged, the frame wheel and a shutter button. My second camera was a film-version of a point and shoot. I would take probably a roll a week of film photos, back when it was only $5 a roll to develop.
I think it was around high school when I inherited my first “real camera”– a Canon EOS 50. I never had any real photography education, so I learned how to use the camera and take proper photos from YouTube videos, books (yes, paper books) and various blogs and articles I found via Google. At this point, the camera and photography were only a toy and source of entertainment. It was only when I started volunteering for dog rescues in college that I realized the impact and value that photography carried. At this point I had invested in a DSLR, the Canon XS. My first subjects that I actually put effort into was the dogs. The photos that I took helped those dogs to get adopted and that was the lightbulb moment for me. When the camera went from toy to tool.
Ever since that day, I started taking photos of everything and I never looked back. It’s been a decade since college and my photography skills have only expanded and the expansion on my capability has allowed me to give back more to Survivor Tails Animal Rescue and Animal Rescue League of Boston that I continue to work with.
Please tell us about your art.
I photograph people, children, pets and events, so I never know what scenario I am walking into. Like most photographers in this field, we work with what we have, whether that be environment, weather or objects and props. Whenever I walk into a new job, I look for interesting background textures. Even in the ugliest uninteresting environments can be the most interesting. My style varies with the subject. For example, if I am working with dogs, I want to bring out their curious side or their unique features, so I may make noises or bring noise makers or treats or toys that will get their attention. With children, I try to be the subject if you will.
Some children are shy and will respond to conversation. Some have more active hearts and imagination, so those sessions are usually on the move and very active. I encourage each subject to be their “natural” selves. I wouldn’t want force an active child to stand or sit still. I would rather have them in a tree with the biggest smiles on than be grounded with a half-hearted smile. Whatever the situation or environment, I try to be a wallflower and just capture everything as it is.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
When your expression is valued in the form that you produce it.
Contact Info:
- Email: photosbyjaq@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/photosbyjaq
Image Credit:
Jacqueline Chen (for the photos I submitted). Andrew San Photography for my photo.
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