I’m a NY-based photographer who shoots action, lifestyle and sports – focusing on emotion, color, and dramatic action. I specialize in shooting and lighting on location in challenging conditions.
My artistic background starts out in drawing and watercolor and oil painting. Studying figure drawing and classical artists like Michelangelo influenced my later interest in the athletic human form. Contemporary oil painting and modern video artists left me with a fascination with bold color. Eventually I abandoned drawing and painting as, unfortunately, I don’t think I am antisocial enough to be a painter. Working with people on a photo set is actually a huge help. There is nothing like having people to collaborate with and, of course, it makes it more fun than sitting in a room with chemicals. I started out in photography shooting travel photography. This was really useful as it slowly got me over my fear of approaching strangers and photographing them. Many aspiring photographers I know are limited by this fear, but when traveling and knowing no one you have to force yourself to talk to strangers. In the end it is much easier than one fears. It is amazing how the subtleties of this interaction show up in your subject’s face and influence the shots. Taking viewers into a scene with action and making it feel the motion and emotion feel natural and unposed while still beautiful and technically on point is a skill which I am constantly working at to improve. I am inspired by the work of photographers like Florian Geiss who captures the beauty of life and people but in an easy natural way. The photos that appeal to me the most seem natural and effortless rather than stiff and posed.
I recently completed a personal project on Chinese martial arts shot in China with some of the top athletes in the discipline. I really enjoyed the challenge of trying to capture the prowess, strength and agility of these star athletes while dodging their swinging weapons. Other recent projects I have done include personal projects on free running which is also known as parkour. I was inspired by the simplicity and freedom of the sport which is practiced without padding or equipment. Another recent project I worked on was shooting winter surfers in the Northeast who chase the waves that follow Nor’Easter storms. Working under extreme weather conditions or under other tough environmental conditions such as wind, changing sun, or water is the endlessly challenging part of photography. Theory and lighting ratios is great in a tutorial – but applying out in the elements and under the pressure and time constraints of a shoot is a whole new challenge that one can spend a lifetime trying to master.
Links:
Website: http://www.barisonzi.com
Blog: http://blog.barisonzi.com
PDN: http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/photoserve/Laura-Barisonzi-Cap-3765.shtml
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Laura-Barisonzi-Photography/244310911507
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