Meet Michelle Livingston Fine Art Photography
Please tell us how you got started?
I fell in love with photography early on in college, when I decided to take a photography class. I found solace and a creative voice in the darkroom processing and developing my images. Photography was something I enjoyed immensely, and was told that I was talented at. However, it wasn’t until after years of making a living in the film industry, that I finally broke free and went back to my authentic self. I took the plunge back into photography full time and began building my portfolio. I photographed bands and solo artists in the LA music scene for online music zines to start. What a crazy yet exhilarating world to photograph. From there it blossomed into me wanting to create my own imagery that told stories and allowed for a platform for me to purge and express my thoughts. I simply love bridging visual stories and streams of thought & emotions, via personal connections with people and places.
When people ask what type of photography I shoot, I like to say that I thrive on photographing staged, planned abstract portraiture, as well as abstract minimalist landscapes. While the abstract portraiture tends to lean on more emotional themes, my abstract landscapes balance it out by being more minimalist and serene. I guess you can say it’s my personal yin and yang / my libra roots coming though. In both genres I focus on creating negative space. This for me is where truth, beauty, and sometimes meaning exists.
That is awesome! Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?
My favorite part of my maker process is when I get to lay eyes on an image for the first time. It’s usually pure euphoria, in that moment. I put a lot of prep work into my photo shoots, and half of that work is journaling and storyboarding. The rest goes into all other elements of a shoot with directing models, wardrobe, lighting, props and locations. To me, there’s an incredible sense of fulfillment and elation to witnessing all my visual intent coming together in one image. I usually find so much more meaning along these little creative journeys. Therein lies the reward.
What inspires you to create?
Raw, organic emotion. Life unfolding. Beauty in the mundane. My daughter.
Do you have a favorite image you have created?
My favorite item that I have created is the image below titled “Unbound”.
It's my favorite for two reasons. One, is that the model in this image is my daughter (my little muse), braving the diving board. The second is because of its meaning. For me, it’s about being completely Unbound. Being free to be your authentic self. Diving into it, unapologetically and unafraid. Ironically, it took me years before the true meaning of this image grabbed hold of me. It wasn’t until someone (very close to me) put up a mirror in front of me, when I was able to see that I was not being my authentic self. This image serves as a poignant reminder to continue be my authentic self and to practice gratitude towards how I got here.
Always a good reminder. What is a typical day like in the studio for you?
My process takes me indoors and outdoors. I prefer to shoot using natural light, so I find myself on location a lot. My work begins with journaling and storyboarding for many days, then a day to usually scout out locations if it is an outdoor shoot, and lastly, finding the right model that aligns with my vision. Once all of my elements are in place, I plan out my shoot day or days and tend to fly by the seat of my pants, (in a good way) as I am usually inspired ten fold once I have someone in front of my camera. While the shoot is initially planned meticulously throughout, I tend to also let things unfold organically while actually photographing and do find that I am spontaneous in those moments.
What do you love most about California?
I love the sunshine (of course), the diverse population, culture and that on any given day you can head to the mountains in the morning and be lounging on the beach by the afternoon!
Do you have anything special that you will be bringing to Jackalope?
I will be bringing framed and unframed prints of various sizes, printed on incredible light fast Hahnemuhle photo rag matte finish paper. It is an archival paper that lasts 100 + years.
Anything special you would like to add?
I will be doing a print give-away each day for those that sign up on my mailing list and I am truly looking forward to being apart of Jackalope Art Fair this year!
We can’t wait to see you in person this November 20th & 21st when Jackalope returns to Central Park, Pasadena.
Where to see more of Michelle Livingston
Website | https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlissAndChaos
Instagram | @blissandchaosphoto