Today we’d like to introduce you to Camille Quartz.
Camille, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My family encouraged me to study engineering or medicine. After several universities and major changes, I finally chose marketing and received a Bachelors in Business Administration. My first position upon graduation was working at a photography studio developing promotions and making appointments.
I occasionally was ask to assist in the camera room where I begin to learn crafting and composing the perfect image. Unbeknownst to me I begin to develop my own eye for the perfect portrait. After two years, I made a daring decision to open my own studio. I took out a huge loan, bought a lot of expensive camera equipment and set up my first camera room in my home. Not even knowing how to load film I began the daunting task of technically learning how to capture images.
At the time, it seemed overwhelming and I began to have huge regret that the transition from photography assistant to professional photographer was too big a leap. I expressed my concern to another photographer and his encouraging words remain with me to this day. His reply was “You can learn technical but you can’t learn creativity, and Camille everything I’ve seen you do is very creative. You have what it takes to be a great photographer. Stick with the learning curve and you will eventually get it.”
Since that conversation 28 years ago I have remained a full-time professional portrait photographer/artist. I truly believe my talent is God-given and I’m blessed to have had so many opportunities to create portraits that hang in homes and are used on websites and social media.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
In the early years of my career as a portrait photographer/artist, I had the wonderful opportunity to study with a master photographer. I was like a sponge watching and absorbing all his techniques of fine portraiture. His direction to showcase the elegance of the human form continues to influence my composing along with his guidance to off-camera lighting. Always being a creator with my imagination, I enjoy all elements of art including composition, styling, fluidity, color palettes, color contrast, textures, visual impact, emotional engagement, and just about anything else you can imagine.
The services I provide are far beyond being a picture taker. In fact, I’ve never been much of a picture taker. But my love for creating images/portraits/portraiture art of people is truly my passion. I begin with learning about my clients and helping them to prepare for their sessions. During our time together, I guide my subjects through the process of molding, sculpting, lighting and posing. Then I use my camera to capture the creation.
Recently I had a client describe me this way, “Ms. Camille Quartz is a Photographer and Artist who has been hailed as a Sculptress of Photography. She has perfected the artistic capturing of the likeness, personality and even the mood of the sitter and the utilization of light to model and chisel faces. Her professionalism is
noteworthy.”
How can artists connect with other artists?
I participate in Network Yourself Now which is a referral group in LaJolla meeting the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. For the beginner photographer, I would recommend Photographic Professional Guilds and Amateur Clubs. There are many networking and meetup opportunities. I have formed some amazing relationships with my clients and often get invitations to their parties and events. I work alone and live alone but I never feel lonely.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Member of San Diego County Art Mart Association. Art show on the 2nd and 4th full weekends every month in Balboa Park.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1761 Hotel Circle South, Suite 204 San Diego, CA 92108
- Website: www.camilleportraits.com
- Phone: 6198875399
- Email: camille@camilleportraits.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camillequartzphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Headshots-by-Camille-Portraits-299925300195940/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camille-quartz-bba23620/
Image Credit:
Laura Paulson, Rick Rodstrom
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