The world of art has been my oyster from my early youth. Through photography I've become a successful story-teller. I am eternally grateful to my mother for passing her passion for arts to me. She was a wonderful watercolor and oil artist. As Miss California, a successful modeling career put me in front of the camera, and took me all over the world.
Composition on film or on digital media is such a delicate balance of so many components, all dressed in the wonder of lights and shadows. Being in front of cameras, I was always aware of the impact of lighting on the photographs we were composing. I learned the amazing confluence of lights and shadows, how both fell on my face and body, and surroundings. That knowledge and experience has been in my conscious all these years since. Finally, I found the outlet for their use.
I found my new love behind the camera, and it became an extension of myself. It is how I express what my mind’s eye comprehends. In 2006, I went back to school to learn the components of the camera. That proved to be a significant undertaking, well beyond what I imagined. Thankfully, hard work and perseverance have never been daunting to me. I have found a new direction in life, a genuine and satisfying passion. I struck out to gain much knowledge and with that, expand on my experience and whatever talent I have been blessed with.
I now strive to tell a vivid story in every photograph I take. I want you to see those stories in their intimate detail. I hope that you see and feel the emotion that I have captured. If you do, even in a small measure, I have succeeded. With my gratitude…
GALLERY SHOWINGS
JD Gallery 2006-2011
Venice Beach & Hollywood, CA
Semi Precious Stone Gallery 2011
Brentwood, CA
PHOTOGRAPHY SCHOOLS IN PHOTOJOURNALISM AND WORKSHOPS ATTENDED
Steve McCurry/Workshop/Chiang Mai, Thailand - 2012
Street Shooting New York - 2012
Mary Ellen Mark/Workshop/Oaxaca, Mexico - 2012
Julia Dean School of Photography/Hollywood/Street Shooting - 2012
Cuba - 2011
Shelby Lee Adams/Workshop /Venice, CA - 2011
Argentina/Uruguay/Workshop/ Julia Dean - 2010
Steve McCurry /Workshop/ Rajasthan/ India - 2009
Douglas Kirkland/Workshop/ Venice Beach, CA - 2008
Peru/Workshop/ Julia Dean - 2008
Morocco/Workshop/Julia Dean - 2007
Viet Nam/Cambodia/Laos/ Workshop/Julia Dean - 2007
Bali - 2007
Steve McCurry/ Workshop/New York City, New York - 2007
West Virginia/Appalachia/ Julia Dean - 2006
Viet Nam/ Workshop/ Julia Dean - 2006
©Donna K. Stellini