Photography News Issue 58

Photography News | Issue 58 | photographynews.co.uk

19 Interview

PN: How did you choose your subjects? KY: I began the background research for ‘Standing in the Light’ with short interviews, and now have a growing archive of women’s accountsof their expectations, motivations and challenges. From these interviews I prioritize the stories, which grab my attention. Since winning the Women’s Sport Trust Award in May for Imagery of the Year, interest has grown and now athletes are reaching out to me. It’s really exciting that women are reaching out to get involved in inspiring future generations and signifying a change in attitude. PN: What was the process of getting people to pose for you like? KY: A big part of making something special together is in creating a space where the subject feels comfortable so they are able to give me what I need. Some people need more

PN: What do you hope to achieve overall with this project? KY: To shine a light on women’s sport, making a worthwhile contribution in this exciting window of change. My wish for today is to capture the empowered form and true determined grace of the female body that will inspire everyone. This is not a gender issue, but a collective growth. The ongoing series of images is a celebration of women achieving their goals and ambitions. PN: What next for Karen Yeomans, photographer? Do you have plans to continue with this particular project? KY: ‘Standing in the Light’ is a work in progress and I have interest from other parties to gain momentum and funding to build this into a comprehensive collection. Within my commissioned work I continue to build my reputation and client base. The voice grows louder and stronger and I love being a part of this mix, magic and living my way.

guidance and the support of direction, whilst others feel more comfortable and free to express themselves and pinning them down would curtail their expression. PN: Do you have an idea for the shoot before you approach people? Or does the subject’s sport inspire your picture ideas? KY: The process takes time, we talk in the interviews and then usually I spend some time with them in training to better understand the movement and personality, I’ll often shoot but with no real set-up, just documenting their processes and character. After this is done I usually get a sense of where I’d like to take the shoot next. PN: How much time did you have for the shoots? You seem to have a mix of location and studio sessions: which is your preference? KY: I love creative problem solving and expanding my potential, so generally I like to take each scenario separately. As the work is self-funded I am limited to how much time I can devote around my commissioned work. I try towork fluidlywith the resources available and the time the athlete can give me. PN: What was working with dedicated sports people like? KY: It’s challenging pinning them down. An athlete’s focus is their sport and they can be elusive at times. Equally, when actually working with them it’s inspiring to experience their harnessed energy, spirit and drive. PN: What was the feedback to your pictures from the subjects afterwards? KY: Positive, proud and on board with the mission. We are increasing the notion that seeing is believing in celebrating women from all walks of life in becoming part of a movement to ‘stand in the light’.

It’s exciting that women are reaching out to get involved in inspiring future generations

Images Karen’s images for the project are a mix of studio and location shots, determined partly by the schedules of the individual sportswomen involved.

Contact

To seemore of Karen’swork please visit her website: karenyeomans.com

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