Summer Fun

Over the past few weeks I’ve been working with Laurie at her studio and on a few playdates. It has been a great experience and a great creative outlet for me. Even if we’re organizing the studio or prepping for a workshop I’ve enjoyed the experience. The playdates we’ve done together are a great opportunity to let loose and try something different. I find they are a great escape from “the norm” and also a good way to explore your own emotions. Laurie’s playdates are unique and something I will miss while I’m away at school, but I will try and carry over the experience with me. Working with people I’ve met through Laurie, my work has exploded in a direction I never thought possible. Here are some shots I took at Laurie’s playdates, and one I took on my own, but bringing her instruction with me. 

Photography Exhibit Gives Teens' Work Exposure Students of Brookfield photographer Laurie Klein's mentoring program are exhibiting their work through the end of August at the Town Hall. written by Wendy Mitchell

Laurie Klein and Matt Valenti

Laurie Klein, a world renowned photographer who studied under Ansel Adams, has built an international reputation as a photographer and educator from her studio in Brookfield. Her career has spanned over three decades and includes artistic portraits, unique fine art nature pieces, and occasionally some wedding photography. 

Klein's belief that it is important to give teens a creative outlet in the arts has spawned a photography mentoring program that has been going strong for over 15 years. This month and next, the youths are exhibiting their work on the walls of Brookfield Town Hall.

A Brookfield native, Klein has been mentoring Brookfield and Newtown teens for about 15 years on a one-on-one basis.  For the last five years, she added Bethel and Wooster students and began conducting group sessions. 

"I found photography as a student in Brookfield High and if it wasn't for some people there encouraging me, I would have fallen through the cracks," Klein reflected.

"Laurie's program confirmed for me that creative outlets are worth the time and effort," Matt Valenti of Bethel said.  "Laurie showed me how to infuse my creativity into all daily life. Laurie's mentorship is one of the most positive and influential experiences of my life," he stated. 

The program generally takes in 10-12 teens from September through December and hosts workshops and other events throughout the year.  

Valenti, a 2010 Bethel High School graduate, wanted to set up an independent study program during his senior year of high school.  His photography teacher suggested working with Klein. His works, along with three other local teens, are displayed in the photography exhibit at the Town Hall.

Christina D'Arco (Brookfield Class of 2010), Nicole Cudzilo (Bethel 2009), and Kate Foy (Newtown 2010) also have their work on display.  

The show came about when Mary Daniel, Chairman of the Brookfield Arts Commission, approached Klein to ask if her mentees would like to exhibit work. Daniel saw the show they participated in at the Danbury mayor's office, which included an opening-night reception, and thought it would be a great idea to have one in Brookfield.  

"We learn how to critique work without saying 'I like something or I don't like something' because that could be very insulting and judgmental," Klein explained.  "We use 'This works' or 'This doesn't work' and that's why the kids named their [Danbury] show 'It Works.'" 

"Being a part of Laurie's Young Adult Retreat was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had," D'Arco said. "It really opened my eyes to the world of photography." 

She continued, "There was a point in the program where I began to doubt myself and my abilities, as I saw everyone else already beginning to put their work together and finalize their decisions. When that light bulb finally went off, I immediately went to Laurie with my photos, and she supported me 100 percent. I had chosen to photograph my Indian friend in traditional Indian saris to show cultural diversity and natural beauty. Laurie's encouragement and faith in me throughout the entire program is what kept me motivated, and I believe my final exhibit was evidence of this. "

According to Klein, next year's program will be different than that of previous years because of their involvement with The Silo in New Milford, now known as Hunt Hill Farm.  The owners, Ruth and Skitch Henderson, a conductor for the Boston/NY Pops, invited Klein to do a show in the main gallery, which limits her to only six kids. The students will learn how to produce, exhibit and hang a show.

"This year they will have to figure out what their theme is earlier and images have to be really tight. The kids have to get a letter or recommendation from an art teacher or guidance counselor, send a bio, a statement of why they want to do this, as well as samples of their work," Klein said.

With no youth center in Brookfield there are not many venues for teens to show their work. "It's a problem in the schools, period," she said, "What's the first thing that gets cut?"

Her dream is to obtain a grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project for her mentoring program in order to purchase laptops, equipment for a darkroom and infrared cameras. 

"Teenagers are incredible.  I really don't know who gets more out of it, me or them?" Klein said.  "They have infused my business with so much art and energy."

Laurie Klein's mentor program photography exhibit is open to the public for viewing during Town Hall hours.  All work is for sale.  Contact Mary Daniel at 203-740-9290.

For more information about Laurie Klein Photography or her youth mentoring program, contact herat the studio.

I want to share my wonderful morning with you.

Michele Prince was my muse this morning. Mark her boyfriend was our anchor and there for her and my every need.
Mark and Michele, both incredible artists brought vines that we intertwined Michele in, total magic.
Best to be told with her words and my photographs.

" At one point, in the water with the vines, once I was feeling comfortable and not like I was going to fall off the chair, it was trancendent, like being all alone, but all at one with everything, the water, the air, the vine, you, Mark, the music.  I was one with everything, outside of myself and yet so deeply connected to all, does that sound strange?  Aware of you, but so unaware.  It was like nourishment.  Makes me tearful.  I only wish that I was more sure of my footing and balance so that I could have totally let go and lost myself in the air, the water, the moment.  Indeed. "

"Mark and I, we had such an amazing and cool morning with you today.  Thank you for just being so creative and willing to take risks.  Thank you, also, for allowing me the opportunity to express myself through your art.  I will have to work at getting better water legs!!!  Once again, a magical experience.  You are one amazing artist and woman, such an inspiration to be around."

Michele and Mark I can't wait for our next shoot. xo LK

A few more photos of MaleneB

I love Red Hook in Brooklyn, these photographs were taken in Ikea's parking lot.  Can't wait to photograph MaleneB there once again. I am working on a new website that will showcase the new direction my photography is going, so many of the photographs from the session with Malene I love and want to use on the new site. PLEASE let me know which of the images move you the most. Thanks. http://www.ikea.com/

Photo Shoot with the amazing designer MaleneB

Yesterday was incredible with MaleneB

MaleneB is an uber talented, internationally acclaimed custom rug designer.  Her creative energy is so inspiring to me.  In the past few years we have done photo shoots on Marco Island, Long Island Sound, and Candlewood Lake, each a waterfront location, which as you know, are my favorite shooting locales.  Recently MaleneB moved to Brooklyn so we chose that for our setting this time. I was so excited for something edgy, new and urban.  When we were choosing her wardrobe MaleneB suggested we shoot at the water, all I could think was “not another crowded beach”!  My only experience of a beach in Brooklyn were my trips to Coney Island as a child so my perspective was a little skewed.  When she started to describe Red Hook to me - an urban shore line, artist lofts, cruise ships and water taxis zooming by and then the nail clincher, a perfect view of Lady Liberty -  I realized quickly that my assumptions about the Brooklyn waterfront were way off.  You know what they say about the true meaning of ASSUME.  It was a good lesson for me to remember, keep an open mind especially when you are in the company of another talented creative such as MaleneB.  http://www.maleneb.com/
Here are a few photos from our shoot, which is your favorite?
Many of my photographs of MaleneB have appeared in numerous magazines including Interior Design Magazine. http://www.interiordesign.net/
Stay tuned for more MaleneB images from different Brooklyn locations.

Celebrate the Feminine

it's a PLAYDATE!!With 

famed photographer, teacher, and 

motivational speaker
LAURIE KLEIN

Celebrate the Feminine!

Come Celebrate Who You Are and 

Where You Are in 

Your Life!

Would you like to let your hair down 

and have an afternoon

of great fun?

Are you ready to embrace your creative 

spirit and let it

carry you away?

Could there be a gentle goddess, naughty 

nymph, or

mischievous mermaid somewhere inside 

of you?

That's what this playdate is all about 

celebrating

who you are and exploring alternative 

sources of

creativity all in a safe environment.

Sunday July 18, 2010, 1:00 - 5:00 pm
 Westport CT

Activities include:
Being photographed by Laurie Klein,
both in
and/or out of the water. (Bring a variety
of outfits
that fit your inner persona or your alter
ego,
wedding dresses, flowing fabric,
solid color
bathing suits, lace, business or party attire,
costumes, and lots of wild makeup.)
Active visioning and relaxation exercises,
as well as a guided journey
An opportunity to photograph others.
Bring your own cameras
Applying the Method Acting technique
to your own particular creative endeavors.

Swim and Bask!  After a dip in the pool
or river,
bask in the sun and enjoy the marvelous spirited
camaraderie of like-minded women who love
healthy, gourmet snacks and sinful
Bridgewater Chocolates!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

First come first serve, limited to 12 artsy girls.

Fee $100 if register by June 18, $125 after June 

18th(value $1500)

Added bonus! Includes a signed 8x10 of your

favorite image.

call 203-740-1110

Keep watching your email for more 

information.

Laurie Klein has an international reputation for 

her Bodies in Water photography series.  She is 

also an accomplished instructor in both creative 

techniques and unleashing The Brilliance Within.  

Her focus is on women.  She conducts workshops 

throughout the year, and also she herself was 

mentored 

by Ansel Adams and in turn she now mentors young, 

up-and-coming, artists in an effort to give back what 

he received from him.