When New York City, NY-based Alan Shapiro picked up the camera as a creative reprieve from his role as Chief Creative Officer at the largest advertising agency network in the world, he never thought it would turn into a daily, award-winning hobby. After just one look at his effortlessly stylised images and portfolio, the joy Alan gets from his daily “creative exercise regimen” is quite clear. His eye for finding unique, powerful subjects can be attributed, for one, to his extreme patience. Do yourself a favour and get lost for a few hours in Alan’s blog, Moments of Truth, where even his self-proclaimed “bad” pictures are still amazing. It isn’t easy waiting for just that moment when a flower begins to open or when a bloom enters its fullest expression, but the results are more than worthwhile. Fiery and whimsical, Alan’s floral photos seem to drip with colours, especially in his Trippin’ in the Garden on Miracle-Gro collection, in which the above-pictured Echeveria flower can be found. You’d think someone like Alan is busy in his multiple roles, but, while that may be true, he is readily available to work on a wide scope of projects.
Based out of Washington D.C., Amanda Kleinman isn’t the average floral photographer. Amanda holds degrees in special education and hearing and speech science, is an active member of D.C.’s thriving arts and music community, is an undergraduate academic advisor at George Washington University’s Corcoran School of Art and she also plays keyboards in electronic rock trio Heavy Breathing. But it’s her work with garden and nocturnal photography that secured Amanda a place on our list. Amanda’s work revolves around the D.C. community and frequently features neighbourhoods, parks, and historically significant subjects. Using film and photography, Amanda captures quiet moments and striking scenes that tell a story or celebrate the beauty of her surroundings. Amanda was a finalist in International Garden Photographer of the Year Competition 8, first place in International Garden Photographer of the Year Competition 9 and is currently working on one project with the U.S. National Arboretum, U.S. Botanic Gardens, and the D.C. Wildlife Plan to document threatened flora and fauna, native plants, threatened wildlife and critical ecosystems within Washington D.C. Also in the works is a collection of photos cataloguing the different night gardens and landscapes of the Washington metro area.
Self-taught creative and nature photographer Andrea Gulickx has taken it upon herself to become the voice of nature, using macro photography and a trademark soft, dreamy focus. Her magical looking backgrounds become painted with light and colours in a style that hearkens to the famous painter Georgia O’Keefe, whom Andrea quotes on her website. Andrea approaches her work with an open mind, no plans, and a deep passion for nature, which she shares on her website and social media profiles. In addition to regularly posting her work and writing about her travels, Andrea offers a weekly inspirational quote and image on her Facebook page that are also available for purchase on her site. Andrea also offers workshops for both beginner and advanced photographers focusing on macro photography, as well as custom one-on-one workshops and special seasonal events.
