Jane Beinart
Jane is an artist, teacher and creativity coach. She came to me needing photos that would convey what it’s like to work with her and participate in her art classes.
I drove up to her place just outside Oxford on a winters morning and after a cuppa we got to work, beginning with a few relaxed portraits, capturing Jane setting up her space and working on her art. We captured various aspects of the art room - the equipment and materials, the marvellously paint-spattered table top.
“I wanted the photos to tell the story and for people to see what they would experience in terms of atmosphere - not just what art they would make.”
One of the services Jane offers is one-to-one art coaching. One of her clients kindly agreed to come in for an extra session, so that I could capture their rapport and take authentic photos of their working relationship, to convey to audiences what coaching with Jane would feel like (relaxed, supported, enjoying a space for creative play and self expression).
Next came one of Jane’s group art classes. Her students arrived one by one, each choosing a coloured apron from its peg. They began by sharing some of the artwork they’d been working on, admiring each other’s handiwork and sharing appreciative, constructive feedback. Then the fun began with finger painting! The creativity flowed and surprising and beautiful artworks emerged.
After this warm up (and a break for tea and biscuits), the students worked on their own pieces, while Jane encouraged and helped where needed. My brief was to capture the vibe and relationships as much as Jane in her environment and it was a joy to be there and witness the atmosphere of warmth, creativity and fun that Jane creates in her classes.
Before hiring me to take her photos, Jane said her biggest concern was whether it would be a good investment, and whether she’d end up with photos that conveyed her message. She chose to work with me, “because you really listened to what I wanted, asked all the right questions, and took time to understand me and my business.”
Of her original concerns she says: “It was all better than expected! I look more professional now, and have been able to use the photos lots on my website, in my newsletter and on social media.”
““Emma really takes the time to get to know you and your business so that she can really communicate what you have to say. It really feels like your agenda is her agenda rather than the other way round. It was a really personal, creative and actually pleasurable experience!””
Want to know how this might work for you? Get in touch to tell me all about your business!
