As a former Art Producer, I have always been drawn to personal projects because they are the sole vision of the photographer and not an extension of an art director, photo editor, or graphic designer. This new column, “The Art of the Personal Project” will feature the personal projects of photographers using the Yodelist marketing database. You can read their blog at http://yodelist.wordpress.com. Projects are discovered online and submissions are not

Today’s featured photographer is: Marianne Lee

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Flashes of Hope, Providence, RI. FEb.17, 2015. Anna Kitada

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Flashes of Hope, Providence, RI. FEb.17, 2015. Kathryn SIlvia

Flashes of Hope, Providence, RI. FEb.17, 2015. Luke Colannino

Flashes of Hope, Providence, RI. FEb.17, 2015. Nicholas Harrington

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How long have you been shooting?
Since High School.

Are you self-taught or photography school taught?
Both.

With this particular project, what was your inspiration to shoot it?
I love the simplicity of what Flashes of Hope is asking for and I love the idea of creating a memory of this incredibly difficult time in these children’s lives. The impact of these images can change depending on the outcome of the kids course of treatment for their cancer.

How many years have you been shooting this project before you decided to present it?
I think it was about 3 years before I decided to put it on my website.

How long do you spend on a personal project before deciding if it is working?
This project is a bit different in that it happens every year through Flashes of Hope, I decide every year that it’s worth my time, these kids have a special spirit that I feel honored to be able to photograph.

Since shooting for your portfolio is different from personal work, how do you feel when the work is different?
I feel like personal work can be a lot looser, there’s fewer constraints, but it’s also challenging because those limits aren’t there.

Have you ever posted your personal work on social media venues such as Reddit, Tumblr, Instagram or Facebook?
Yes.

If so, has the work ever gone viral and possibly with great press?
Mostly with family and friends.

Have you printed your personal projects for your marketing to reach potential clients?
Not yet.

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Marianne grew up on Lake Michigan and brings the warmth of the Midwest to her photography. She is obsessed with visual storytelling. Her curiosity about her clients leads to focused preparation. When Marianne arrives for a shoot, she already knows you. The result is stunning photos.

Marianne specializes in Education and Lifestyle Photography and is passionate about lifelong learning, whether it’s mountain biking, exploring a city, or discovering what makes a new friend laugh. She lives in New England with her daughter, husband, and a pantry full of chocolate.


APE contributor Suzanne Sease currently works as a consultant for photographers and illustrators around the world. She has been involved in the photography and illustration industry since the mid 80s, after establishing the art buying department at The Martin Agency then working for Kaplan-Thaler, Capital One, Best Buy and numerous smaller agencies and companies. She has a new Twitter feed with helpful marketing information believing that marketing should be driven by a brand and not specialty. Follow her on twitter at SuzanneSease.

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