Abi Coop
Melissa Richard
Kristen Ryan
Welcome New Hello Artists | February 2022
Welcome New Hello Artists | February 2022
Elora Viano
Tell Us About Yourself!
I’m Elora and mum to two girls. I’m from Canada originally, but ended up in Italy for 12 years where I married an Italian. We then moved to the UK where we had the girls and have now settled here. This is where my photography has really grown as I have found some wonderful communities along the way. I love nature and animals and being outdoors and am hoping to instil this in my girls. I believe we are all connected and have our role to play in the natural cycle in the world, and that, as humans we should try to live in harmony, not dominate nature. I hope this comes through in my photography as well. I also have a lot of pets who usually don’t complain too much when I point my camera at them. I am an introverted extrovert as I like to call myself because I enjoy being with people and can be very chatty, but have to warm up and get over a lot of self doubt first – and I need time alone to recharge, which has been no easy feat recently!
How Would You Describe Your Photography Style?
I feel I am very documentary in my approach and a visual storyteller. I love a nostalgic image, especially of childhood. I love to photograph the beauty that surrounds me, from light, to my family, flowers and the landscape, and, more recently, myself. This has been quite a journey in of itself. I am a firm believer that the best camera is the one you have with you and for this reason my portfolio includes images that have been taken on multiple cameras and my phone! It has been an eye-opener to realise that I can immortalise a moment anywhere and at any time. My editing style is more film-like. I love black and white, most likely because my introduction to photography was back in the film days. I also love the timeless feel it gives. I like bold colour on the other hand and high contrast and I feel (hope) my portfolio reflects that.
What Inspires You To Create?
Everything!! I know that sounds like quite a claim, but as I get older I really find myself SEEING things around me, from pockets of light, to my children’s feet (my littlest one in particular has the best little toes!), insects, the sky and the birds. My biggest inspiration though are my children – seeing the world again through their eyes has been life changing. I have also recently begun exploring self portraiture which is a big step for me (I have never liked the way I look) and feel I have changed so much. In this I am inspired by other photographers, both past and present.
What goals are you hoping to achieve as a Hello Artist?
One of my life goals is to be able to teach and to mentor in photography. I have a teaching background and I truly love this craft.
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Kelly Musser
Tell Us About Yourself!
First and foremost, I’m a mom to the two sweetest little kids. They are my world. I started doing photography again because I needed a creative outlet while my husband was gone for work a lot. I spend a lot of time alone with my children. I love to paint, mostly watercolors, and I love to read. We are currently searching for a home in this crazy market, and I cannot wait to have a yard so we can get a puppy. I officially started a photography business this year, and while it’s been very slow growing and a huge learning curve, I am really enjoying it.
How Would You Describe Your Photography Style?
I shoot mostly portraits including environmental portraits with a touch of fine art portraiture. My style focuses on light that helps create rich tones and to better tell the story I am portraying.
What Inspires You To Create?
I am inspired by books, movies, and art stemming from my childhood. All things nostalgic to me feel timeless. I am also inspired by a lot of other artists online.
What goals are you hoping to achieve as a Hello Artist?
I hope to continue to grow as a photographer and expand my creativity.
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Miranda Melton
Tell Us About Yourself!
I went to photography school for awhile but left for an undergrad degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota. I worked in the autism field for over ten years and, like so many, lost my job when the pandemic hit. It’s been a struggle navigating my way through trying to jumpstart my photography career while full-time-momming my two amazing kiddos (both under five), but (and I’m totally going to jinx myself here…) I *think* we may be hitting a stride. I love most music that came out of the 1960s, pretty much any Wes Anderson film, and will take all the espresso I can get my hands on!
How Would You Describe Your Photography Style?
My style is heavily rooted in a focus in authentic moments and connection between humans with their fellow humans and with their environments.
What Inspires You To Create?
An obsession with light! I’m always searching for it, and when I can use it to paint a scene of authentic connection, it’s my happy place.
What goals are you hoping to achieve as a Hello Artist?
I’ve been in the Facebook group for awhile now and it’s such an uplifting community! Would be honored to officially be a part of it.
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Michelle Wright
Tell Us About Yourself!
My LOVES – being a boy mum, an above and below water adventurer, a professional conservationist, and a nature lover. I combine these loves in my photography – this is where I am happiest. Sharing the journey with likeminded people – for example in the three IG loops that I created and run – is a wonderful bonding and supportive experience and I have made some amazing friends over the years. Community is very important to me, as is a sense of belonging.
How Would You Describe Your Photography Style?
Usually just add water…
Wild and free.
Loving those wide angles.
What Inspires You To Create?
Having even the smallest of ideas, finding a location to explore that idea, then losing myself with my camera to see what I can then create around that idea – or not – depending upon where my images take me. I always go with the flow and never restrict myself to one idea. That preliminary idea is just the leaping point – where I fly to after that can be anywhere. By being totally in that moment, I allow my mind and soul to explore the endless possibilities around me.
What goals are you hoping to achieve as a Hello Artist?
To see where my journey takes me with the Hello Storyteller community. There are some fabulous photographers here and I would be keen to see how I can further explore my passion with their guidance, input and creativity as inspiration.
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