Something is ordinary
until you see it in an extraordinary way.
A duck? Ordinary.
A duck with a glint in its eye?
Could be extraordinary.
From an early age, I have been drawn to photography.
I am constantly seeing and framing images in my mind, whether or not my camera is in my hand. I appreciate both beautiful and natural objects – flowers, forms, water, fuzzy ducklings …. as well as action objects – planes, trains and automobiles. These various, quite disparate objects all carry their own distinct beauty. More recently, I have gained an even greater appreciation for capturing the beauty and intrinsic spirit of people. My goal is to represent each person’s unique blueprint, their essence, and by doing so, make them more visible to others. By capturing a look, an expression or a moment, a person can be transformed from ordinary to … extraordinary. The gift of a photograph makes it possible to celebrate that person in a new way.
My preferred photographic technique is to capture subjects as they appear before me, unaltered and in natural light, allowing circumstances to dictate the energy of my work. My goal is to capture life as it is, yet with a new perspective. For more staged events or requirements, additional lighting is used.
Artist’s Quote
“Art and life are similar, in that they are both a journey. What we can see as a goal when we start on any path may indeed come to pass. Inevitably, however, the route will morph into unforeseen avenues and experiences – some good or great, and some difficult or challenging.
“What I could see as a 17-year-old was limited, but important! Its message was to just start. To do the thing that my desire was telling me to do: pick up a camera. It felt frivolous in a way, but, over time, it has become my on-going passion, a part of my identity, my expression and gift. It is one of the avenues through which I create beauty and satisfaction for myself, and provide value and service to others. It is so important to allow our intuition and true desires to guide us, and if we are lucky enough to live a long life, continue to express our creativity and vision for as long as we are breathing.”
Celeste is a member of the Professional Photographers of America. She served for several years as a Trustee of the Golden Gate School of Professional Photography, and is a former member of the Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area. She is located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Education: Bachelor of Arts degree, Spanish Literature, University of California, Berkeley
Languages: French and Spanish