At first photography was just a hobby for Jean Hall, soon though, it was great passion. When chefs or actors take great enthusiasm with their dream job, it’s the same with Jean; a cliché of a story but nonetheless, very true.
When Jean wanted to make a career out of photography, she went back to school at New York Institute of Photography in 2005. Photography is an extension of art for Jean, creating a 2-dimensional feel, she likes to take pictures of landscapes, animals and nature as well; but, she prefers to photograph people, although a challenge for other photographers, Jean likes to defy the mood the person gives off, allowing the lighting to help create the perfect pictures, also, she likes the challenge of dynamics to be able to show the personality of the person through the lens.
When Jean takes a picture, it’s more than using props, backdrops and lights to take a picture, but also about the moment, and when you set foot in the studio, the moment is about you, and you are the star. It’s a place where people feel safe, fun, and imaginative and in that moment, a dynamic is created between you and the photographer.
I’ve been told that since I was little I would pose for a camera–without film. Of course now that I’m 19 and look back at how crazy of a kid I was, I cringe in the horror of my attitude. Funny thing though, I remember bits and pieces from my memory of sitting in a chair with a hat and crossing my legs with baby powder dusted over my neck ( I have pictures that have not yet been shredded). Oh the dreadfulness. Jean first photographed me when I was 15, a sophomore in North Medford high school with braces and adolescent acne and to top it off, braces. Jean misplaced the pictures, and with my self-consciousness, is glad of it, lol. However, nine months ago I went back and got some pictures taken. The results were amazing, playing dress up with a red dress and black stilettos turned out to be a wonderful product. The studio’s motto is: You are beautiful. And it is true.
I may be no Tyra Banks or have yet to be a winner on America’s Next top Model, but being one of the first to be pictured by a local photographer, whose business is booming, is astounding.
Written by: Vanessa Garcia
Photography by: Jean Hall – Grads 2009
Jean Hall Photography 