I love the drama of black and white photography. Working
with just light and shadow in the initial stage, allows me to focus on
the basic shapes and tones of a subject without being distracted by
color relationships. During this process, everyday objects can be viewed
with a new perspective, somehow transforming each into something
important and unique. On the final print, I add color to select areas,
hoping to create another dimension which will bring a luminescence
and/or sensuousness to the final image.
Still life is something that has been photographed and
painted since the beginning and something I’ve been working with for a
number of years. It almost represents the antithesis of technology and,
to me, is symbolic of a simpler time and way of life. In some respects,
the 21st century parallels the early 1900’s with mass societal changes
and new technologies. I’m inspired by the Pictorialists of those years
and their renderings of soft focus, romanticized images. Until then,
photographers only mechanically recreated scenes with as much accuracy
and detail as possible with little thought toward artistic expression.
Through it all, I’m always intrigued by the endless
possibilities this genre presents to me and feel constantly challenged
in presenting classic subjects in a new and meaningful way.
Diane Stefanich
For more information. I can be reached at e-mail:
dmsfoto@aol.com