Spotlight Photographer of the Week
Monday, December 15th, 2008Week 18: Minnesota
My name is: Clare L. Polencheck
Right now I’m sitting at: My desk, listening to As it Happens.
My family includes: My husband of 5 years, Nathan, dog , 2 cats. My parents, sister, brother-in-law, and wonderful nephew live down the street (that’s him below, in the blue muscle shirt!) Grandma is across town.
What inspires me is: Not what, who…Jesus. Cliché? Maybe, but He’s the man. He inspires me to live a life of service. As a photographer, I feel that my “service” is to show people themselves in a light that they want to be seen. I just want to make people happy. More cliché…I know.
The photographer who most inspires me would be: Oh, no way could I pick one. Many inspire in different ways. I will say I have learned a great deal from a gentleman named Benji (Sonshine Studios) who posts on a popular photography forum. His lessons and tutorials have inspired me to really think about and understand what I’m doing and why I’m doing it when it comes to portraiture, and not to rely on “accidents” or “luck.” I have a great deal of respect for photographers who truly try to learn the process and the art and stay true to their own style.
When hanging out online you will usually find me: Recipezaar.com! I am a recipe junkie. Or reading the news/news blogs, studying yoga, and of course…photography forums!
The first thing I crave in the morning is: Exercise- must have endorphins! And then green tea and a carrot. I always crave a carrot when I get home from the gym.
Don’t tell anyone that I love: Old school gangsta rap and opera. Not at the same time. �
To me “beautiful” is: Relative, and as a portrait artist I have to balance what my “relative” is with how my subject seems himself/herself.
This year’s purchases MUST include: My new computer. The old one pooped out this year.
My guilty pleasure is: I try not to take pleasure in anything that would make me feel guilty. But ok, I read celebrity magazines when I’m on the exercise machines at the gym. And ham. I love ham and I know it’s not the healthiest choice.
If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy: Saving up for the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom.
I think my best feature: I act on my convictions and ideas, but never at the expense of my principles or other people.
I am addicted to: Oatmeal with strawberries, and word games. Usually at the same time.
One personal goal I have this year would be: Photography wise…just keep learning and trying new things, continually stepping out of my comfort zone. I want to really harness natural lighting portraiture when the weather warms up again.
Visit Clare’s website