Showcasing American Photographer Diane Arbus 1923 - 1971

Diane Arbus photographed in 1949

Each month I choose to feature an influential female photographer. This month it is the turn of Diane Arbus – one of the most original and influential artists of the twentieth century.

Arbus photographed a wide range of subjects including strippers, carnival performers, nudists, people with dwarfism, children, mothers, couples, elderly people, and middle class families. Depicting the postwar American social sphere to show the compelling story of the world around her from her and her cameras perspective.

The portrait of Diane Arbus above was taken in 1949 and shows her with her twin-lens Rollieflex camera which produced 6x6 (2.25in) square negatives. Each roll of film has12 exposures.

Equipped with a 55mm f/4 Zeiss lens in order to magnify the sense of unease so prevalent in her portraits.

Statue of Diane Arbus in Central Park 2021-2022

Gillian Wearing a British born artist from Birmingham crafted a bronze statue of Diane Arbus, who took many of her best-known images in Central Park. Wearing’s statue draws attention to the fact that few women are represented in this way, and even fewer visual artists. Presented at street level without a base. Diane stands naturally as if surveying her subjects and wearing clothes she felt most comfortable in. The statue was presented by Public Art Fund and stood in Doris C. Freedman Plaza in Central Park in New York City from October 2021 until August 14, 2022.

The plaque by Diane Arbus’s lifesize statue

In January I’ll be featuring the work of Eve Arnold an American Photojournalist 1912 - 2012.

Thanks for reading

My Photoshoot Amongst the Bluebells aged 19 Months

It was a sunny morning!

I had the pleasure of photographing my granddaughter Bella at the weekend, she liked it so much she wanted to tell you all about it.

Hello everyone, my name is Bella, I’m 19 months old. This is my second photoshoot amongst the bluebells. I’ve been photographed many times because my grandmother is a photographer. (I call her yia-yia because her mummy and daddy are from Cyprus).

Me when I was just 7 months old. I was just a baby.

Look at me now I’m a big girl because I can walk, run, sing and dance and say lots of words too.

With my mummy. Look at my pretty dress. I haven’t got very much hair.

With my mummy again, she still looks the same but look at me, I’ve got lots more hair – mummy says she can’t wait for my hair to get longer so she can put a ribbon in it.

Did you know my yia-yia has been a photographer for over 35 years? She has been photographing families in the woodlands for a long time, especially when the bluebells are in flower. She said now is the time to book your photoshoot because they are only at their best for a little while before they die.

If you would like to have a photoshoot with yia-yia she is called Stella. She said to contact her before Saturday 20th April to book your photoshoot as there are a limited number of photoshoots available until 28th April.

She is very friendly and the photoshoot was great fun her phone number is 0777 181 0105 or email her.

I’m happy I have all these photos to look back on when I’m older to enjoy with mummy, daddy and all the family.

Yia-yia said to me “Be very careful Bella not to tread on the bluebells, they are very delicate and are to be treated with respect so they can keep on flowering every year”

With my daddy, he is lots of fun and very strong! It makes me laugh a lot when he does this.

We sat on a pathway so we didn’t squash the bluebells.

We spotted an animal running up a tree, mummy said it’s called a skirril I mean squirrel.

The flowers tickled my nose when I smelt them. I tried to eat one but mummy quickly stopped me and said they are not food and not for picking. They are wildflowers. Yia-yia says I’m wild too…because I love being outdoors and running around, she calls me a little monkey.

I can walk and stretch too. I was pointing at a big bird in the sky called an aeroplane. Do you like my jeans and roll neck jumper?

We went for a wander down the lane afterwards…it was a bit chilly.

Then back to yia-yia’s to download, whatever that means!

I’m having lessons to learn how a camera works. I press this button called a shutter to take a photograph. Did you know the word photograph comes from the Greek word φωτογραφία? Meaning drawing (γραφία) with light (φωτο). I’m learning Greek too – yia-yia (pronounced yah yah) is the first word I have learnt so far.

This is my yia-yia taking a photograph of me and my mummy. Daddy took the picture on his iPhone.

This link tells you more about having a photoshoot.

Thank you for reading my story

Bella

Is it Time for a New Professional Headshot?

Ant Anstead having a moment of reflection before taking the recently restored 1958 Lotus Elite Series 1 out for the next race

Are you looking to update and refresh your brand?

A new headshot is a vital part of your profile – without this, it just doesn’t give you, or your business the credibility you deserve.

Here are five reasons why you should update your headshot:

1. It doesn’t professionally reflect you

2. You’ve changed your hairstyle

3. You don’t like what you are wearing

4. It’s more than five years old

5. You are rebranding

This applies to any business – whether it is just you or a team you manage or are a part of. Now is the time to refresh and revitalise for 2024 and beyond.

I have been photographing people like you for over 35 years – directing you to present yourself in the best light, and most importantly, make you feel relaxed and at ease! Leave the lighting, and all the technical stuff to me…

Photoshoots take place at my studio, a pop-up studio in your workplace, or a location relative to you and the work you do.

Are you ready to put your best face forward?

Click on the button below to find out more or feel free to call me on 07771810105 or email.

I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks

Stella

Studio headshots for a a more corporate feel

A Snapshot Of My Family Time

We have come to the end of July 2023 and the schools have broken up for the summer having completed another academic year. It gives us time to rest and recuperate and reflect on time gone by and plan what’s to come.

I’m taking the time to stop and focus on the importance of the photograph. Where would we be without photographs to tell us the stories of our and others' lives? Think about how one-dimensional our world would be without the printed photograph.

I just love looking back at old photographs of anything and the stories they have to tell us. It’s the generations and throwbacks of family likeness that fascinate me. Have you ever seen a family photo taken decades ago that reminds you of a sibling or living relative?

It fills me with fascination and curiosity when I look back at my family photographs and inspires me to continue to capture and craft new photos too. This is why I’m choosing to share some of my own family photos taken of my daughter, granddaughter, and future son-in-law. The photoshoot was done whilst we were holidaying in Cyprus in May visiting our amazing relatives.

I took the opportunity to photograph my granddaughter with her mummy and daddy in the village where my parents were born to continue the story of our lives.
The moral of this story is the reason why I love my ‘work’ so much – because it's connecting with people, documenting fleeting moments to reflect on for many, many years to come – after all this is all we have with the passing of time.

Feel free to get in touch to create your visual memories. It doesn’t have to be of your family and friends. It could be of a prized collection, home, or garden, or where ever your imagination takes you.

These photographs are a small snapshot of my life…to be continued!

The cemetery where my parents and both sets of grandparents are laid to rest. They were all born in this village or nearby in Cyprus. My paternal grandparents are shown in this photo.

The cemetery where my parents and both sets of grandparents are laid to rest. They were all born in this village or nearby in Cyprus. My maternal grandparents are shown in this photo.

My granddaughter and me

A new family beginning!

Thanks

Stella

It's Time For Your Photoshoot Amongst the Bluebells

WOW, they certainly know how to pack a punch and Mother Nature has done it again and filled our local woodlands with the most amazing display of bluebells and a lingering and captivating scent to entice us there.

Yes! it’s time to confirm your family photoshoot so I can capture a perfect moment in time!

I’m showcasing the first bluebell shoot this year taken today, Wednesday 19 April on a glorious spring morning.

After many years photographing your families this shoot was an extra special one for me because for the first time ever I get to photograph my daughter Nicola with her daughter Bella who is 7 months old amongst the bluebells!

A special moment in time that I get to treasure forever, as well as Bella’s mummy and daddy and our extended family too!

Now is the time to allow me to capture your family, but you’ll have to hurry because Mother Nature waits for no one! There is only a tiny window of opportunity before these protected wildflowers fade until next year.

Just call me on 0777 181 0105 to book your shoot or email me at stella@stellascordellis.com

This link tells you more….

PREMIUM PHOTOGRAPHY - BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED

International Women's Day 8th March

International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8th to honor the achievements of women around the world and is a national holiday in many countries.

The day has its roots in the labor movement of the early 1900s when women began organising to fight for improved working conditions and the right to vote. The first official International Women's Day celebration was held on February 28, 1909 in New York City. The Socialist Party of America declared it a national event and more than 15,000 women attended rallies in the city.

In 1910, a second International Women's Day was held in Copenhagen and was attended by women from 17 countries. At the conference, they created the International Woman Suffrage Alliance, which fought for the right of women to vote. Since then, International Women's Day has grown to become a global event, with millions of people around the world taking part.

So hats off to all of us women out there in celebration of our strength and independence to fight for our rights and visibility in society.

I have photographed hundreds of women and girls over the years, too many to add to this post. But I’d like to add just one – it’s of my daughter and her baby daughter – symbolising the unique and hardest job in the world, a Mother, certainly something to applaud today on International Women’s Day.

Thanks

Stella

Springtime Photoshoots Amongst Nature

I always look forward to the onset of springtime when the birds start singing just that little bit louder, a reminder that warmer weather and longer days are just around the corner!

This signal means I can start planning a small number of family photoshoots in local woodlands and private gardens whilst the bluebells are in flower during April and May time. Not forgetting the stunning rapeseed fields and meadows are awash with vibrant colour too, providing nature’s very own backdrop – perfect for body, mind, and spirit!

 Did you know bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are native to western Europe and well established in Britain and are an indicator of an ancient woodland?

 The bluebell is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). This means digging up the plant or bulb in the countryside is prohibited and picking them could land you with a hefty fine!

 Whilst photographing small groups of people and dogs in woodlands and gardens we always stay on the many pathways or fallen trees so we don’t trample on or disturb the plants. Photographing at a low angle highlights the abundance of bluebells and their colour too ­– it’s all to do with perspective and composition.

The bluebell flowers attract bees, providing an important source of nectar, being among the first flowering plants. Ancient woodlands have a distinctive flora and ecology, having been established for hundreds of years. They are not always blue or violet, but their flowers can sometimes appear as white or pink. Their scent is at its most pungent at dawn and dusk and their hue changes tone with the morning and afternoon sun.

 Please get in touch to book your photoshoot. These are limited due to capturing the best light of the day and when the bluebells are at their best which is a small window of opportunity. This link to the PEOPLE page of the website tells you more.

 I also offer one-to-one photography masterclasses in the woodlands whilst the bluebells are in flower to understand your camera better.

Thanks Stella

Community and Connection - Then and Now

How times have changed in so many ways…

Brothers holding photographs of them taken at 6 months old. See their sisters on the next slide.

Sisters holding photographs of them taken at 6 months old. See their brothers on the previous slide.

Brothers holding photographs of them each at 3 months old.

This young man holding framed photographs taken of him at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months…

and when he was 4 months old…

…and with his dad in the bluebell woodlands at 2 years old

The photograph this couple are holding is of this young lady with her brother when she was a year old. Her brother wasn’t available for the photoshoot so her lovely boyfriend stepped in!

Siblings photographed 18 years ago in the photograph they are holding!

Today, 10th February, marks 26 years since I opened the doors to my shiny new portrait studio on Station Road East, Oxted– SMS Creative Photography – on 10th February 1997.

 A lot has happened and changed since then! Notably, the introduction of digital photography which completely changed the way I worked from 2001onwards! And since August 2019 the studio is no longer on the high street, having made the decision to work remotely nearby. SMS Creative Photography is now called Stella  – Premium Photography, Beautifully Presented.

Before 2001 it was a roll of film loaded in my 35mm Nikon with just 36 exposures. It would take a week or so to get the film back from processing. Black and white printing was very popular back then, especially when photographing babies & children. I used to offer a four part photo-shoot called ‘Baby Steps’ where I photographed babies at 3, 6 and 9 months and on their first birthday. This was very successful and most of these babies are fully-fledged adults now.

The one constant throughout my 26 years in Oxted is my amazing customers who without I would no longer be in business doing what I love – thank you very much!

This brings me to a collaborative project I am taking part in – organised by the female part of the Association of Photographers – the F22 group. The project is called COMMUNITY and CONNECTION  – for each member taking part to interpret the brief as we wish.

For me it was obvious to call back a handful of babies from the early days to photograph them holding their baby photos I took to show the passing of time. To me, this symbolises Community and Connection and how important printed photographs are.

It’s a curated online exhibition to celebrate International Women’s Day on March the 8th 2023. With the possibility of physical exhibitions, artists’ talks discussing their approach to the brief and future collaborations are in store.

I’d like to share with you the photographs I took. It was so lovely to reconnect with the families and to hear what they are up to. They all said they enjoyed taking part in the project and were proud to hold up how they once looked and to be photographed by me.

 Please feel free to get in touch if you have a project in mind – 0777 181 0105, be great to hear from you.

Thanks Stella

 #aopF22community