Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Fokos.
Barbara, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I’ve always had an appreciation of photography so while I was studying graphic design at college in RI I decided to take some photo classes and learn the basics including how to develop film in a dark room. I enjoyed it but put photography on the back burner once I graduated. What really sparked my passion and began my journey with photography was the birth of a dear friend’s daughter. I offered to take photos of her as a newborn and quickly realized that I still had so much to learn. I thrive on challenges so I decided to keep practicing in an effort to grow as a photographer and took it up as a hobby. My friend’s daughter became my little muse and I began studying various editing techniques, lighting, and camera settings. I joined online support groups to learn as much as I could from other talented photographers. Slowly but surely my photos improved and they soon caught the attention of mutual friends who asked if I could photograph their children. Eventually their friends/neighbors/families began to contact me for photos and Focus Photos was born.
Over the past few years I’ve been so fortunate to have met some great families in the area but one of the things I’m also proud of is the work that I’ve done on behalf of small business owners in my town. I regularly visit local businesses to take photos and then share them on my blog and in the #shopFranklin Facebook group which encourages everyone to support our amazing small businesses. I also designed the group’s logo which is displayed on shop windows and even on some tote bags.
I’m still involved with graphic design and run a small Etsy shop (Focus Designs) where I sell handmade goods including glass magnets, baby milestone cards and a selection of custom wall prints. Some of these items can also be found at Fiori, one of my favorite local shops, located here in Franklin, MA.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I’m a natural light on-location photographer and primarily focus (pun intended) on photographing newborns, children & families in Norfolk & Worcester Counties. I’m a huge fan of the outdoors and nature in general so that’s where the majority of my sessions take place- in a field with tall grass & wild flowers, by a pond, or at a local park and almost always during the golden hour at dusk when the light has that magical warm glow. My newborn sessions are unique and actually take place inside of my client’s homes, again using solely whatever natural light is available. Clients can relax at home and be themselves which really comes through in the photos.
My inspiration is definitely the simplicity of human connection… the connection between parents and their brand-new baby, the connection between siblings in a sweet embrace, or solely the connection between my subject and my camera. My goal is to capture those simple, organic moments in my photos. As a new mother I’m also keenly aware of how quickly time passes and how a newborn in the blink of an eye becomes a toddler, a 7-year-old, a teenager- I love freezing time for my clients and creating special photos that they’ll treasure for years to come. I’m always so honored to see my photos proudly displayed on the walls of client’s homes or used to announce the birth of a baby to friends & family.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
I think the biggest challenge that photographers face these days has to do with social media and the pressure to always be relevant & engaged. There is a saturation of images everywhere you turn and it can be easy to compare yourself to others and difficult to remain true to your own unique style. Maintaining your passion & inspiration can sometimes require taking a step back, if only momentarily.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I regularly update my website www.focusdesignsandphotos.com with photos from recent sessions and also love sharing photos & design projects on social media including Facebook & Instagram. I’d love for you to follow along!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.focusdesignsandphotos.com
- Email: focusdesigns@mail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/focusdesignsandphotos
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/focusdesignsandphotos
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/focusdesigns
Image Credit:
Focus Photos
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